Category: HVAC Repair & Installation

Is It Time for a Furnace Replacement? Key Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Seasons flow and change so quickly; the Holiday Season is already upon us. Can you believe it?

In days gone by, Texan’s lives were tied to the agricultural seasons—planting, cultivating, harvesting, and resting. Since we spend the vast majority of our time indoors, it is more accurate now to tie our lives to two seasons—the cooling and heating seasons. We depend on our HVAC systems year-round, so it is important to keep them running smoothly.

If your attempts to keep your system running smoothly are not going as smoothly as hoped, it may require some further investigation. To help your investigation, here are a few questions to determine whether your HVAC problems are serious or not.

Furnace Replacement Warning #1: Determine the Age

If you did not install the current furnace and do not know the age, take a picture of the serial number tag. Enter the model/serial number onto the manufacturer’s website to uncover the date and year the system was manufactured. It will not uncover the date of installation, but it will be close.

HVAC systems have a limited lifespan. Expect a range of 15 to 20 years. A system may continue to function beyond this, but problems will develop. At this stage, it is best to plan a replacement date and budget for replacement.

Furnace Replacement Warning #2: Use Your Senses. Start with your sense of smell

If you have a natural gas or propane furnace and smell rotten eggs or sulfur, the situation is dangerous, evacuate the home immediately. Call the gas company from outside the home. (Natural gas is odorless and colorless, so the gas companies add a chemical marker to identify leaks.)

If you smell a musty smell, it may indicate a leak in the duct network, allowing either stale air or moisture into the ducts. This musty, unhealthy smell is spreading throughout the house and needs to be repaired quickly.

Use your sense of hearing.

The system should continue to sound normal until it doesn’t. As a system ages, normal sounds may get louder. Electrical control mechanisms may hum or buzz loudly. The one moving part—the blower motor—may become worn and begin screeching or grinding. These sounds are serious and need to be addressed.

Take a careful look.

If your furnace is natural gas-powered, observe the burner assembly during operation. The flame should be blue; a yellow flame indicates incomplete combustion. This is a waste of energy, producing dangerously high amounts of carbon monoxide. The gas is being exhausted to the outside, but it is bad for the environment.

Furnace Replacement Warning #3: Look Deeper into Performance

Collect utility bills for consecutive months over a few years. Ignore the cost for now but check the kWh usage. It is not unusual to see slight increases, but a large consistent increase in electricity usage (without adding a new energy-using device) can indicate a weakening system.

If heating cycles tend to run unusually long (or if you consider raising the thermostat setting way too often), it may indicate the system is running weak. The same is probably true of the cooling cycles—not keeping up with comfort.

Also, look at the frequency of repairs and the cumulative total of the costs. This number will be interesting the older the system becomes. Eventually, this figure becomes surprisingly high and replacement becomes financially viable.

Call the Furnace Replacement Experts at AirPro Houston

Air Pro Houston has been providing furnace replacement, repair, and maintenance for over four decades. AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with your furnace replacement needs.

We have furnace replacement and installation financing options available, including great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your furnace repair, Tune-up maintenance, and HVAC replacement needs.

Common Residential Electrical Repair Issues for Homeowners

When do minor annoying electrical blips become problems or, worse, dangerous issues that need to be addressed? Understanding why these things happen will help homeowners determine whether the problem can be overlooked or needs to be investigated.

Residential Electrical Repair Problem 1: Intermittent Switch Function

Normal usage of light switches over the years causes the mechanism to wear and become loose. When the mechanism wobbles, the contact does not connect or stay connected, and the light may blink intermittently. The switches that are used the most will be worn first; since the original switches were installed at the same time, it is common to see several switches fail together.

Some outlets are connected to switches so that several lights can be turned off at once. If the switch is bad, these outlets may not work properly.

These switches cannot be repaired, they will need to be replaced. The intermittent connection can cause a short, so don’t overlook this problem.

Residential Electrical Repair Problem 2: Dimmer Switch Malfunctions

Dimmer switches are a little more complex. There are often two components—an ON/OFF switch and a dimmer slide or knob. If the dimmer mechanism is not working, check to make sure the switch is ON. Both switch and dimmer have mechanical parts that can be worn. Both will need to be tested. If either portion of the dimmer switch is worn, that portion should be replaced.

Not all lights are designed to be dimmed, so if the light does not fully dim or flickers, the bulb may need to be replaced with one that is compatible with a dimmer switch. Find this information on the light bulb label. Continuing to use a non-compatible bulb will lead to premature bulb failure.

Residential Electrical Repair Problem 3: Shock From Devices

During the winter, it is not unusual to walk across the carpet, pick up a static electric charge, and get a slight tingle when touching a switch, person, or metal object. However, if someone is receiving an electric shock beyond static electricity, it is a serious problem.

Electricity is composed of a stream of electrons flowing through conductive substances. Household electricity should be contained in a wiring loop; when it escapes, it is a problem. Even though people are made of conductive substances, it is not good for us to be a part of the circuit. It could be the device. It could be the wiring. But even minor shocks need to be investigated, and the problem repaired.

Residential Electrical Repair Problem 4: Dimming Lights

If lights dim when a major appliance, such as a kitchen range, is in use, it indicates a momentary overload of the circuit. This can also happen in a room with too many devices plugged into a single circuit.

If the overload is limited to a matter of a second or two, it needs to be addressed but is not an emergency. During a renovation or while having electrical work completed, it would be best to move some of the devices/outlets from the circuit and create a new circuit.

Residential Electrical Repair Problem 5: Intermittent Failure of Recessed Lights

Can lights that are recessed into the ceiling and surrounded on all but one side. They need to be installed with plenty of room to dissipate heat, but if they are improperly installed the heat may build and overheat the fixture. When the fixture overheats it does pose a fire hazard, so, even though it may be a pain, this installation needs to be corrected.

Residential Electrical Repair Problem 6: Circuit Breakers Tripping

Distribution wires carry extremely high voltage or electric pressure. Transformers reduce the voltage so that when it enters a home, the current is manageable. The whole home may receive 150 to 200 amps; individual circuits take only a portion of the current, usually 15 amps or so. When homeowners try to draw more than 15 amps through the circuit or when a short pulls additional amps, the circuit breaker is designed to trip to break the circuit and stop the flow.

A circuit carrying too much current is in danger of overheating. This can lead to damage to devices, melting of wires or connectors, and can lead to a residential fire. A short can cause a serious (even deadly) shock or ignite combustible material and start a fire.

Call the Residential Electrical Repair Experts at AirPro Houston

Problems like intermittent switch functions, dimmer malfunctions, and electric shocks can indicate underlying issues that need immediate attention. Additionally, issues such as dimming lights, recessed light failures, and tripping circuit breakers should be addressed to avoid potential hazards like electrical fires or device damage.

With our four decades of experience in Residential Electrical Repair, AirPro Houston provides you with the knowledge of Electrical Repair safety in your home and addresses any residential electrical repair issues that homeowners may encounter. Call our team of Electricians at  281-880-8805.

Get Ready for Winter: Essential Furnace Maintenance Tips for a Cozy Home

The temps will be dropping soon, and the heating season will begin. In the meantime, we can expect a few days that require both air conditioning and heating on the same day. The mildness of winters in this region makes the weather less extreme than summers, but they still require heat on most days to make a home comfortable. Here are a few furnace maintenance approaches that can make a home very comfortable and still save money on utility bills.

Use Solar Gain

The sun is the greatest source of free heat in the entire solar system and with a little effort, it can be used to the best advantage during the winter. The insulation in a home is installed to create a thermal barrier to keep the heat inside and the cold outside (or vice versa during the cooling season). However, windows are very poor insulators and allow heat to move freely through them. This can increase comfort in a home if you want to take advantage of the sun.

• Determine which windows are on the south side of the house. These windows will allow the maximum amount of sunlight into the home.
• Opening window coverings on sunny days can increase indoor temperatures in the home by ten degrees.
• Remember to close the blinds/drapes in the evening, since heat will travel readily through the glass to the outdoors.

Insulate and Caulk

While insulation creates thermal and moisture barriers, caulk is a sealant that blocks air movement through small gaps, especially around doors and windows. Both measures reduce drafts and make the home more comfortable. It also makes the furnace more efficient by decreasing thermal loss and the entry of cold outside air.

• Detecting drafts can be done with tissue attached to a coat hanger or with a candle. Move either of these in proximity to the frames of windows or doors to detect air movements through any gaps.
• Caulk can be applied around the exterior frames to close these gaps.
• Weatherstripping can be applied between a window or door and its frame to fill larger gaps.

Reverse Ceiling Fan Direction

Ceiling fans are commonly used during the summer. They don’t make the air cooler, but the moving air FEELS cooler than stationary air. Ceiling fans can increase the comfort of a home during the winter as well; here is how to make this work.

• During the summer, ceiling fans should turn counterclockwise; this pulls cool air from near the floor up to the ceiling and pushes it toward the walls.
• However, the direction needs to be changed for wintertime use. Find the switch in the center of the fan to change the direction to clockwise.
• Clockwise rotation pushes the warm air near the ceiling down and out toward the walls.

Mixing the warm air increases comfort and reduces the call for more heat.

Adjust the Thermostat

The thermostat is the ON/OFF switch for the heating system and most current thermostats are programmable. This can work to customize comfort and save energy at the same time.

• Suddenly changing the temperature does not produce the desired results; settle on a desired temperature and leave it.
• Many people prefer to sleep in a cooler room; scheduling a reduction in temperature overnight can provide this extra comfort. Schedule a return to normal temperature about 30 minutes before the alarm clock rings as a buffer.
• If the entire household is gone during the daytime hours, a second reduction in temperature can also be scheduled automatically. A 30-minute buffer before the first family member returns will create the desired comfort.

Reducing the temperature by 8 degrees for 8 hours per day will reduce heating costs by 10% without reducing the comfort level for any family member.

Don’t Get Caught in the Cold: Schedule Your Furnace Maintenance Appointment Today

Air Pro Houston has been providing furnace maintenance for over four decades. AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with your furnace Maintenance needs.

We have furnace Maintenance financing options available, including great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of  your furnace maintenance, Tune-up maintenance, and HVAC replacement needs.

Stay Safe and Smart: Essential Electrical Safety Tips for Kids

Do you remember rubbing a balloon on your hair and using static electricity to shock someone? Friction causes your hair to collect electrons from the balloon for a while, then release them onto your friend’s nose.

Large clouds use the same principle to create lightning. Since cumulonimbus clouds can weigh over 2 billion pounds, the amount of static electricity in lightning is immense—the average lightning strike releases 300 million volts.

Scientists and engineers use motion—hydro, wind, and steam-powered turbines—to pull electrons in large quantities to produce steady streams of electrons or electric current. Electric current is used to power our homes, businesses, industries, and communities.

So, we pull electrons for our use, and they keep moving, seeking to be released somewhere that needs lots of electrons. Wiring keeps the electrons contained but electrons will use any chance available to seek a large mass needing plenty of electrons. The largest mass available is the earth itself, so we say electricity is seeking “ground.”

If a substance refuses to allow electrons to move, it is called an insulator. If a substance allows electrons to move, it is called a conductor. If a conductor causes the electrons to slow down, this is called resistance and resistance causes intense heat.

We use resistance in toasters, hair dryers, and ovens. However, if current tries to pass through a resistant conductor that is not designed to carry current, the intense heat can cause a fire.

The human body uses electricity constantly, but the currents are extremely low. How low? Electrical signals are measured in millivolts—a strong signal is approximately 30 millivolts or .03 volts. Contact with a current of 120 or 240 volts is extremely disruptive to organs that produce these millivolts (the heart or brain are good examples). The surrounding tissue is a resistant conductor, so a high current is very destructive to cells.

Use these principles to develop electrical safety standards around your home.

1. Children are curious and do not know of the dangers of electricity. It is up to parents to take measures (often called childproofing) to protect young family members. Plastic plugs and tamper-resistant outlets are cheap corrective tools when applied before a disaster. Develop electrical safety protocols with the most vulnerable in mind.
2. Appliances often put resistance to work to complete everyday tasks. That means both heat and current are very close to individuals who use electrical devices. Since they come into contact with both human bodies and combustible materials, be sure to repair or discard broken devices and extension cords.
3. Trying to force too much current through wires, outlets, or extension cords changes them from conductors to resistant conductors. The resulting heat will create fire hazards and sometimes the evidence of damage is hidden behind the wall. Have an electrician add sufficient circuits to meet household needs and avoid the dangers of overloading/overheating devices.
4. Water is an EXCELLENT conductor of electricity, so we say “Water and electricity should not mix.” Building codes require that anywhere that electricity comes within 6’ of a water source—in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or near pools—ground fault circuit interrupter outlets and switches be installed. GFCI devices trip at the outlet or switch when a ground fault happens, many times faster than it takes for the breaker to trip at the electrical panel. Outlets, switches, and cords in outdoor settings are especially susceptible.
5. Overhead cables carry a much higher current than indoor wiring. Remember, all that current is seeking to do is reach the ground. Be extremely careful with ladders, poles, or body parts to avoid becoming the conductor. Avoid contact with trees that have limbs that touch power lines, especially whenever it is raining, or the wind is blowing.Downed power lines are extremely dangerous since they carry very high voltage. Coming into contact is usually deadly, but contact is not the only danger. Often, the ground is wet, making the surrounding area a pool of conductivity.

Empower Your Kids with Electrical Safety Knowledge: A Bright Step Towards a Safer Future

Understanding electrical safety is crucial for keeping our kids safe at home and beyond. By teaching them the importance of respecting electrical devices, recognizing hazards, and following simple safety rules, we empower them to make smart choices.

With our four decades of experience in Electrical Safety, AirPro Houston provides you with the knowledge to help teach your children the importance of electrical safety in your home.

Call our team of Electricians at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Electrical Repairs, Home Electrical Safety, whole home generator installation, and electrical installation needs.

Holiday Electrical Safety Guide for Homeowners

The holidays are fast approaching, and you know what that means. Annual outdoor decoration contests will soon begin in neighborhoods that rival our favorite Christmas comedies. Many homeowners collect holiday decorations year-round, with multi-color lights, inflatables, and animatronics becoming very popular. In the next two months, decorators have three prime holidays for embellishing their lawns and homes. If you are all about decorating, have fun! But don’t forget these decorating Holiday Electrical Safety Do’s and Don’t tips to keep your holidays bright and safe.

Don’t overload circuits. Residential circuits are designed to handle about 1800 watts; loading a circuit beyond this risks tripping the breaker. Remember that your outdoor outlet is often a part of a circuit with indoor outlets as well; add the wattage for anything plugged in indoors as well. Add up the wattage for the decorations you plan to use and do not load past 1500 watts just to be sure.

Do consider adding a circuit. If you desire to use plenty of outdoor decorations, ask your electrician about adding another circuit (or circuits) to handle outdoor outlets.

Do shop for LED decorations. LED lights use a fraction of the energy of traditional lights with the same or better brightness. Make sure that all decorations are rated for outdoor use.

Don’t bury extension cords. Be creative when it comes to hiding wires and cords, but they should not be buried. The ground is holding moisture, even during dry spells; this moisture is keeping the grass and shrubs alive. Any flaw in the cord and every connection will expose the current to water, creating a short and potential shock hazard.

Do elevate connections. Lift cord joints and splitters to keep them above standing water during a rainstorm. A rock or board will raise the vulnerable connection out of danger. (Be creative! Take it as a challenge.)

Do use a timer. Decorations are fun as long as people see them, but unnecessary while everyone is sleeping. Matter of fact, they can be annoying while people are trying to sleep. Purchase an outdoor-rated timer to bring everything to life as dusk approaches and turn it off at a reasonable time overnight. This also reduces the wear and extends the useful life of decorations.

Don’t turn off some lights. The Federal Flag Code approves displaying the American flag 24 hours per day, but only if the flag is lit overnight. If you are patriotic and a creative decorator, make sure to keep the flag lit all night long.

Do You Have Holiday Electrical Safety Questions?

With our four decades of experience in Holiday Electrical Safety, AirPro Houston provides you with the knowledge to help with your Holiday Electrical Safety questions.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call our team of Electricians at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Electrical Repairs, Home Electrical Safety, whole home generator installation, and electrical installation needs.

Is an EV Charger Installation a DIY Project?

With any new car purchase, significant sales attention is placed on the comfort and amenities of a particular model. With internal combustion engine vehicles, fueling options abound; however, an important side note to purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) is an EV charger installation at your home. If you have not considered this challenge, here are some basic observations for you to consider.

Three Levels of EV Charger Installation

There are three charging options for EVs—Levels 1, 2, and 3. Chances are, you will probably have opportunities to use all three levels, but one option will be your everyday choice.

• Level 1 charging is a basic outlet connection—an extension cord for your car. The good news is that any outlet in the US can be used to charge your vehicle. The bad news is that it is very slow (compared to other charging options). Level 1 charging from 0% to 100% can take 24 hours.
• Level 2 charging is a 220v connection, similar to your dryer or range plug. The good news is it is 5 times faster than Level 1 charging, and 0% to 100% charging can happen overnight. The bad news is it requires professional installation in a secure location.
• Level 3 charging is a public, commercial option. The good news is Level 3 charging is very quick—0% to 100% can be achieved in about 30 minutes or so. The bad news is that it is the most expensive of the three options.

Most EV owners will adapt and use more than one—probably all three EV charger installation options—in the useful years of an EV.

Two Home EV Charger Installation Options

Levels 1 and 2 are optionally accomplished at home, but there are differences and similarities between the options.

• The cost of charging for either Level is the same. The cost can be determined when you know the cost per kilowatt hour charged by your utility company. The kilowatts used will be the same; Level 1 just takes longer than Level 2. A general figure for charging cost would be in the $10 to $15 range.
• The average driver in the US drives about 40 miles per day or about 280 miles per week. How close do you come to being an average driver? This information can help you determine the charging level that suits your driving needs. Do you have a whole day of the week that you will not drive to allow for a day of charging?
• EV manufacturers recommend charging patterns that prolong battery life. That includes avoiding extremes for normal charging—do not let your EV discharge to 0% or fully charge the EV to 100%. (While commercial charging may be a convenient or necessary option from time to time, it is hard on battery life and should not be the go-to method of charging.)

Charging options are available to meet the needs of most US drivers. Before an EV purchase, a car buyer should predetermine the charging plan that suits normal driving patterns.

EV Charger Installation Home Options

For most EV owners, that will include both Level 1 and 2 charging stations, and the most obvious location will be in a garage.

• Level 1 charging might be accomplished with no home modifications. However, if this is a long-term solution, it would be best for an electrician to create a dedicated circuit to avoid overloading.
• A Level 2 charging option will require some minor modifications, requiring the services of a professional electrician. The charging station will be wall-mounted, with dedicated 220v wiring behind the garage wall. The station will be a small box with a sufficient charging cable to access the vehicle. Work with the electrician to mount the station in an easily accessible location.

The Home EV Charger Installation Experts

With our four decades of experience as a Residential Electrician Contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help answer your EV charger installation questions.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call our team of Electricians at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair, electrical safety, Home Generator installation, and electrical installation needs.

The Importance of Routine Commercial AC Maintenance

For many business organizations, this is prep time for the 2025 budget year. Inevitably, the question of whether HVAC preventative Commercial AC Maintenance needs to be a line item will come up. The budget might be tight, so it might be tempting to forgo maintenance this year—what could happen? Does this sound familiar?

Neglecting Commercial AC Maintenance for one year often ensures the line item will not be added to the budget next year either. The long-term result of neglecting Commercial AC Maintenance can be very harmful to operations and the longevity of the equipment that makes business and commerce possible. The extremes of both hot and cold weather are offset by the HVAC system if it works properly. Commercial HVAC systems are much different than those that service single-family residences:

• Commercial HVAC systems often condition much larger spaces.
• The occupancy for commercial spaces is generally much larger.
• The entry/exit rate is usually much higher, requiring more frequent heating and cooling cycles.
• Some commercial spaces generate significantly more heat, such as commercial kitchens.

An interruption in the HVAC system function will often close a business; at the very least, it will severely reduce foot traffic and productivity.  A lot is riding on any commercial HVAC system. Maintaining this essential system is extremely important.

It Affects Indoor Air Quality

Commercial spaces are occupied by your staff for 40+ hours per week and clients, customers, or guests that you invite for business reasons. This implies that you are taking steps to keep the standards of indoor air quality (IAQ) high enough to make the workspace safe and healthy. Neglecting maintenance can lead to poor IAQ, triggering asthma, allergies, or other breathing problems.

How Commercial AC Maintenance Affects the Energy Bill

Heating and air conditioning are responsible for between 35% and 50% of the total commercial energy bill. The accounting department prefers it when the HVAC portion of the energy bill is closer to 35% than 50%. No other department is willing to cut its budget to pay for the additional energy cost, so the cost of routine maintenance might be much more cost-effective than at first glance.

Maintenance Basics

What is entailed in maintaining HVAC equipment? It really depends upon the size of the facility and the type of equipment in use. It will look something like this:

Routine Maintenance. Every HVAC system should be inspected and cleaned annually. Technicians will complete visual inspections and test various components for stress or loss of function. This will certainly include checking the refrigerant level and checking electrical controls and sensors. This might require accessing air handler closets and rooftop units to ensure the entire system is performing within design parameters.

Seasonal Preparation. A semi-annual visit might be needed for facilities with larger systems or in locations with extreme weather changes. For large systems, the equipment that cools is different from the equipment that heats the same area. There will be some equipment doing double duty shared by both heating and cooling functions, but all the more reason to check on the performance twice.

Air Filter Changes. If this vital maintenance task is not handled in-house, it needs to be completed by a technician quarterly. The air filter collects pollutants during every heating or cooling cycle, but the airborne particles soon cover the filter and reduce the airflow through the air handler. This causes the equipment to work harder, use more energy, and weaken vital equipment due to stress. It also reduces the efficiency of the filter to adequately collect the dust and pollen floating around the facility.

AirPro Houston Can Create a Commercial AC Maintenance Schedule

With our four decades of experience as a Commercial HVAC contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with commercial AC maintenance questions.

We have several financing options available with great options. Up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Commercial Air Conditioner System Air Filtration needs.

What Homeowners Need to Know About Generator Transfer Switch Installation

Years ago, a backup generator might have been considered a luxury for the average South Texas homeowner. However, weather events in the last few years have rendered what was once a luxury more of a necessity. If you are reading this article, you might also be considering a Generator Transfer Switch Installation to make your home safer and more comfortable during power outages.

Generators use fuel—natural gas, propane, and diesel are common energy sources—to produce energy for home use. But, since your home is connected to the power grid, re-introducing power to the home can reenergize the power grid. This is extremely dangerous for linesmen working to restore power, since they will not expect the lines to be energized. Sending power to neighboring homes can also create dangers for unsuspecting families.

The safety solution for generator use is a device called a Generator Transfer Switch. Generator Transfer Switches automatically disconnect the home from the power grid whenever the generator begins to operate. When power is restored, the Generator Transfer Switch disconnects the generator from the home’s electrical system and re-establishes connection to the power grid. Hiring an electrician for a Generator Transfer Switch Installation is an essential part of using your generator when the power goes out.

Types of Generators

There are two basic types of generators, although variations are offered for both types:

• Whole house generators are permanent structures, installed at least 20’ from the home to prevent the exhaust from the generator from entering the home. They are powered by the natural gas or propane supply used by the home. These generators are usually powerful enough to empower all the circuits in a home’s wiring network and cables connect the generator directly to the electrical service panel. The generator begins operating seconds after power is interrupted.
• Portable generators are mobile units, stored in readiness and put into operation whenever the need arises. An ample supply of fuel must also be stored. These generators must also be used far enough away from the home to keep exhaust from entering the home. Portable generators may or may not be powerful enough to empower the home’s entire circuit network. Therefore, the homeowner determines the desired circuits to be empowered and trips the breakers for circuits not in use.

The portable generator often cannot supply sufficient power to 220v appliances, such as ovens, dryers, and HVAC systems. Portable generators must be readied, connected to the electrical service panel, and started manually during a power outage.

Generator Transfer Switch Installation Types

• Whole house generators require an automatic transfer switch This switch is installed between the home’s connection to the power grid and the electrical service panel. When an outage occurs, the switch breaks the connection to the grid and opens the connection to the generator. The generator starts within seconds of the power outage, resulting in a short flicker of power. When power is restored to the grid, the switch shuts off the generator, breaks the connection with the generator, and reopens the connection to the power grid.
• Portable generators require a transfer switch as well, but a manual transfer switch is installed. The manual transfer switch performs the same safety function as the automatic switch, closing the connection with the power grid and opening the connection to the generator. However, since there is nothing automatic about portable generators, they need a manual transfer of power. When power is restored, the homeowner manually flips the switch, disconnecting the generator and re-connecting the power grid. The portable generator is turned off and disconnected from the service panel.

Air Pro Electric is available for the installation of whole-house generators, and both automatic and manual Generator Transfer Switch Installation.

Call AirPro Houston to Discuss Your Generator Transfer Switch Installation Options

With our four decades of experience as an electrical contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the knowledge to help with your Generator Transfer Switch Installation questions.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call our team of Electricians at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Electrical Repairs, Generator Transfer Switch Installation, whole home generator installation, and electrical installation needs.

Electrical Repairs That Could Lead to Dangerous Situations

Each year, more and more common tasks are accomplished by household electronic appliances and daily life is not the same without these conveniences. The increase in electrical use can create one problem, but these electrical repairs may manifest itself in several symptoms.

Electricity flows in a circuit through a network of wires, but the network is very organized. The organization happens because wires of the network cannot carry an unlimited amount of electrical power. The network is divided into smaller loops called circuits, to evenly distribute the flow of electricity throughout the house.

At the beginning of each circuit is a switch, a circuit breaker, which is designed to close (or trip) if the circuit exceeds the designed electrical flow. Several of the most common electrical repairs that elicit a call for an electrician are caused by overloaded circuits.  Some of those problematic electrical repairs include:

1. Repeated Circuit Breaker Trips. Circuit breakers are designed to break the flow of electricity when too much electricity flows through the breakers. The cause of the increase in flow might vary—a lightning strike, a short or fault, or a malfunctioning breaker. But when too many devices call for more power than the circuit is designed to handle, the circuit will trip.
2. Warm (Hot) Outlets and Switches. Switches and outlets attached to an overloaded circuit can be hot to the touch. The heat might be sufficient to distort or discolor the shape of the cover plate, although this can also be caused by a short or fault. An overloaded circuit may also cause a burning smell or the odor of melting plastic. Warm outlets and switches are clear indications of a serious problem since wiring inside the walls can get hot enough to start a fire. Do not ignore this problem.
3. Hot Extension Cords or Appliances. The heat of an overloaded circuit may also be detected when an extension cord or appliance is hot to the touch. Remember that extension cords should be a temporary solution, not a permanent fixture. Appliances should not give off abnormally high heat.
4. An Outlet or Switch Ceases to Function. An overloaded switch or outlet may cease to function. While this might be inconvenient, consider this a good safety factor.
5. Flickering Lights. Often a light will flicker just before it fails, but if the lights flicker—brighten, then dim in quick sequence—it may indicate an overloaded circuit. The flickering might be intermittent, or it might happen whenever a particular appliance is switched on. If the kitchen lights and the oven are on the same circuit, the lights may flicker each time the oven element heats up.
6. Loud Buzzing. Some devices are designed to buzz. Devices that are not designed to buzz should not buzz. Electrical panels, switches, and lighting should not buzz.

If you experience any of these electrical repair problems associated with overloading circuits, take the following steps:

• Identify the boundaries of the problem circuit
• If lights flicker every time a particular device is turned on, explore and identify the problem
• Move some of the devices to other circuits if possible
• If an appliance is hot and is not supposed to be hot, stop using it
• If an outlet or switch is hot, stop using it (if possible)
• Call a licensed electrician to explore solutions that will reduce the risk of injury or fire

Call the Electrical Repairs Experts To Address These Common Issues

With our four decades of experience in Electrical Repairs, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help replace any faulty outlets or switches in your home.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call our team of Electricians at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Electrical Repairs, electrical safety, whole home generator installation, and electrical installation needs.

AC Maintenance North Houston Experts To Stay Cool This Summer

The heat and humidity this summer are as intense as ever, emphasizing the importance of air conditioning to our daily schedule. Since the economy is heating up as well, making air conditioning as energy-efficient as possible is doubly important. Here are four simple principles to reduce the cost of air conditioning each summer.

Heat Transfer

The main air conditioning principle is heat transfer. When an ice cube is set out on the counter, heat is attracted to the ice, and it melts. This attraction is very similar to the way a magnet attracts iron. Within the air conditioner components, the refrigerant becomes very cold within the network of tubes, and hot, humid air from inside the house is passed over the tubes. The heat moves toward the cold and is transported outside.

• The heat is removed from the home through the evaporator coil in the central air cabinet.
• The heat is released into the outdoor environment in the condenser unit outdoors.

The enemies of heat transfer are dirt and contaminants. As they collect on the network of tubes, both indoors and outdoors, they block the transfer of heat, making it more difficult to make the transfer. Keeping them both clean is essential to the air conditioning process.

Air Movement

Heat transfer requires a lot of air movement at every stage. During a cooling cycle:

• All the air within a house must move through the evaporator chamber. This ensures the heat moves from the home to the evaporator coil. The humidity also condenses on the coil and is removed from the home.
• This air moves very rapidly, the entire volume of the home moving repeatedly with each cycle. This ensures the air is thoroughly mixed, while the heat and humidity are removed.
• The refrigerant that collects the heat gets very hot and it MUST be cooled very quickly since it will recycle within the cooling cycle. A huge fan in the center of the condenser draws air through the network of coils.

It is vitally important to keep these components clean and free of contaminants. They tend to become sticky and attract other contaminants. The buildup quickly restricts heat transfer. The most obvious example of this is the air filter; when sufficient dust collects on the filter it restricts airflow, forcing everything to work harder.

Thermal Barriers

While the air conditioner is transferring heat, the rest of the building envelope is also transferring heat.

• The attic is hot, and the heat is seeking entrance into conditioned space.
• The sun is shining directly on the walls, and the heat is seeking entrance.
• The windows and doors also allow heat to readily enter the home.

It seems the whole building is working against the air conditioning process! For this reason, it is important to create the best thermal barrier available. That means attic and wall insulation that prevents as much heat transfer as possible. Glass transfers heat very readily. Double-pane windows capture a pocket of air between the panes and slow the transfer a bit. Make sure your home is caulked and weather-stripped properly to reduce the amount of heat entering the home through small gaps in the building envelope.

AC Maintenance Required

The whole air conditioning system is controlled by sensors and sensitive control electronics. The refrigerant must be kept within a very narrow range of pressure. Various parts must be cleaned regularly. Your AC technician has the training and experience to keep your system running efficiently year after year.

Call the AC Maintenance North Houston Experts

With our four decades of experience as an AC Maintenance North Houston contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with your AC Maintenance needs.

We have AC Maintenance North Houston financing options available, including great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at 281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your AC Maintenance North Houston needs for HVAC Replacement.

Homeowners have so many responsibilities and interests that they cannot become experts in the care and maintenance of all the home’s building system. However, it is in the interest of all of us to be familiar with major problems that commonly develop. Here is a list of some of the most common electrical repairs with residential electrical systems.

1 Arc faults

We observe the power and utility of arching electricity in modern devices, such as Tesla coils, plasma balls, and stun guns. Electricity arcs when it moves into the space between two conductors. In residential settings, this can happen when wiring is installed incorrectly or damaged. It often happens during the fraction of a second when the plug of a device nears a receptacle.

The danger of an arc fault is the electricity is being diverted from its intended course. It can result in a shock or electrocution should it encounter living things. It can cause a fire if it encounters any type of fuel. An arc fault might be visible. It often can be heard. Arc faults often chemically change the air and give off the smell of ozone. They are dangerous, so shut off the power to the problem area and call an AirPro electrician for electrical repairs.

2 Ground faults

Electricity should flow through a closed system called a circuit. Switches are used to break the circuit to disrupt the flow and shut off the power to a device. When electricity moves outside of this designated circuit, it moves to the earth through the closest route possible. We call this a ground fault. When electricity moves, it chooses the easiest, least-resistant path. That might be a fuel source, resulting in a fire. That might be through a living source, with disastrous consequences. Ground faults give fewer indications. They are dangerous because they are often undetectable until it is too late.

Circuit breakers are designed to recognize a change in the flow of electricity. If more or less electricity flows through a circuit, the breaker trips. There might be another reason for a circuit breaker to trip. If you reset the breaker and it trips again immediately, call an AirPro electrician for electrical repairs.

3 Water and electricity

Whenever electricity comes into contact with water, it causes an immediate ground fault. The danger is so severe that building codes require Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) switches and outlets installed within 6 feet of a water source—faucets, tubs/showers, pools, etc. What does a GFCI device do? Normally, the ground fault happens, and the circuit breaker recognizes the change in resistance and trips. This might take a second or longer, but GFCI devices are designed to recognize resistance changes as small as 4 to 5 milliamps and respond in 1/10^th of a second. These are truly life-saving devices.

4 Overloading/overheating

The wiring and circuit breakers in a residential system are designed to carry a limited amount of power. This limitation is for the protection of persons and property, but it is also designed for the devices we use. Calling for more power than the circuit is designed for will lead to damage to devices and heat damage to wiring and circuitry. The faceplates for overheated circuits may melt or discolor. They will often feel hot to the touch.

Calling for too much power will trip the circuit breaker. If turning on one too many devices results in a tripped breaker, request an added circuit from your AirPro electrician for electrical repairs.

5 Power surges

Speaking of too much power! The power grid is designed, just like a residential system, to deliver a certain amount of power and redundant regulator devices are designed all along the system. However, certain anomalies happen that result in a sudden increase or surge of power. An accident involving a power pole, a rodent interrupting the grid, or a lightning strike are all examples of surge sources.

Power surges are completely out of the control of homeowners, but if your home requires further protection, ask your electrician about a whole-house surge protector.

Call the Electrical Repairs Experts in Houston

With our four decades of experience in Electrical Repairs, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help answer your Electrical Repairs questions.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call our team of Electricians at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Electrical Repairs, electrical safety, whole home generator installation, and electrical installation needs.

Ultimate Spring Checklist for HVAC Maintenance

We look forward to the coming Spring each year. Warm weather and plenty of sunshine make ball games, cookouts, and evenings on the deck, listening to songbirds and children, very pleasant. It is also an occasion to switch the thermostat from HEAT to COOL.

How long has it been since your air conditioner ran? Perhaps four or five months of inactivity should prompt you to give it a little pre-season care!

Do-it-yourself HVAC Maintenance Tasks

• Replace your air filter. If you change your filter on schedule (about every three months), you will know the condition of your filter. The change to the cooling season is a good prompt for filter changes.

Air conditioners require great quantities of air to move across the refrigerant coils. Since dust and dander collect on the filter, it eventually clogs the filter, so make sure the filter is clean at the beginning of the cooling season.

• Clean the condenser unit. The outdoor condenser unit has been collecting leaves, dust, and blowing debris, so make sure to clean it thoroughly. Remove the covers and use a garden hose to rinse away the accumulated dust and lawn clippings from the fall. The large fan on the inside pulls a lot of air through the network of coils to transfer heat; the dust and debris interfere with the heat transfer.
• Clean the evaporator unit. Flip the breaker for the air conditioner and take the cover off the evaporator chamber. Spray a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water onto the evaporator coils. This loosens any dust particles from the coil for the same reason as the condenser coils—heat transfer.

The drain pan is situated under the coil. The moisture that is removed from the humid air drips into the drain pan. Clean away any debris from the drain pan; this can get caught in the drain line and result in an overflow. Pour the remaining solution into the pan. This prevents algae growth in the drain pan and line.

Professional Tasks

Some tasks need to be completed by a professional technician. Those tasks include:

• Checking the Freon. The air conditioner cools by compressing refrigerant gas, often called Freon, and then releasing the pressure. Since the whole gas network is a closed system and the gas is under pressure, even a very small hole will allow all the gas to leak away. If the gas pressure is low, the technician will find and fix the leak, then replace the Freon.
• Inspecting the thermostat. The thermostat is the switch for the air conditioner, and it also needs some care. They run on batteries, which need to be changed annually. The technician will use a thermometer to test and calibrate the thermostat setting.

This might be an ideal time to replace an old thermostat with a Smart thermostat. These thermostats are programmable and adaptive, and they have a cellphone app that allows customized comfort selections.

• Test the Electronics. As the air conditioner cycles on and off, electricity slams through the switches and controllers very suddenly. While there are few moving parts, the constant cycling creates wear and tear. As a part of the maintenance visit, the technician will test the electronics for weaknesses.
• Clean the vents. The ductwork for the air conditioning system will collect airborne particles that blow past the air filter. Over the years, the dust can build up and contribute to poor indoor air quality. Technicians can disturb the collected dust and vacuum it away; make sure to clean both the cold air returns and the supply vents. Vents should be cleaned every three to five years.

Let us help with your Spring HVAC Maintenance!

With our four decades of experience as an HVAC contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with HVAC Maintenance.

We have several financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Furnace Repair, Tune-up maintenance, and Commercial HVAC Maintenance needs.

What You Need to Know About Circuit Breaker Repair 

Should you visit the electrical aisle at your local home improvement box store, the varieties of circuit breakers might be surprising. If you need circuit breaker repair or you are replacing a breaker for your home, the decision might be overwhelming. Why all the choices, and what do they mean?

Circuit Breaker Repair and Knowledge Basics

Before electricity enters a home, the current is regulated by a utility transformer to ensure the flow of electricity is usable by appliances and devices.

• Electric power is measured in voltage. A total of 240 volts comes into the electric service panel. Circuit breakers carry some of this power unchanged to large appliances such as the dryer or kitchen stove, while other breakers split the power to some circuits into 120-volt currents such as lights and media devices. Circuit breakers carrying 240 volts are called double pole breakers, and breakers carrying 120 volts are called single pole breakers.
• Electric current is measured in amps. Circuit breakers also restrict the amps a circuit can carry, protecting the devices from a current overload. The common amperages for single pole breakers are 15 and 20 amps. Double pole breakers often carry 30 or 40 amps.

Some circuits may require specialty breakers, but these are the most common varieties.

Breaker Purpose

Circuit breakers are designed to regulate the flow of power and current. When electricity exceeds the designated power or current, the breaker is designed to trip, breaking the circuit. Circuit breakers replace fuses. Fuses accomplish the same function but are designed for one-time use only. Circuit breakers are reusable; a tripped breaker can be reset.

What causes a breaker to trip?

• An overloaded circuit. When too many devices call for electricity, it can exceed the circuit design and cause devices to overheat. In extreme cases, an overheated circuit can cause a fire. When a circuit overloads, the breaker trips, stopping the flow of electricity. Before resetting the breaker, remove some of the devices, or the breaker will trip again.
• A short circuit. Electricity must be contained within a designated path, a circuit. When electricity finds an alternative path to the home’s electrical network, it is called a short circuit. The breaker recognizes the incorrect path and trips. The breaker trips very quickly and for very good reasons. A short circuit will damage devices and can create a fire hazard.
• A ground fault. Electricity must be contained within a designated path, a circuit. When electricity escapes from the circuit, the current does not return to the electric service panel. The breaker is designed to recognize this problem and trips very quickly. Free-flowing electricity will cause shock to anyone encountering the short, and it also poses a fire hazard.
• An arc fault. Electricity must be contained within a designated path, a circuit. When an electrical connection is loose, it will cause a spark and jump to surrounding structures. The breaker recognizes that the current has been diverted and trips. An arc creates intense heat—between 5,000 and 35,000⁰ F- leaving a burn mark or discoloration when it happens in the open. Arc faults can cause burns and shock and create a fire hazard.

Circuit breakers are important safety features in any structure.

GFCI Outlets and Switches

Water is an extremely good conductor of electricity, and electricity seeks the path of least resistance. Whenever water and electrical circuits are in close proximity, building codes require ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) switches and outlets. Circuit breakers are fast, but GFCI breakers are more sensitive and much quicker.

• GFCI will break the circuit with only a 4-milliamp current.
• GFCI will break after 1/10^th of a second.
• GFCI will break the circuit at the switch or outlet instead of at the service panel.

Ground fault circuit interrupters are an additional level of safety used in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and around pools.

Circuit Breaker Repair is Definitely Not a DIY Project. Call the Experts

With our four decades of experience as a Residential Electrician Contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help answer your Winter Electrical Safety questions.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call our team of Electricians at 281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair, electrical safety, Circuit Breaker Repair, and electrical installation needs.

Furnace Maintenance That Every Homeowner Needs to Know About

As the American continent developed and folks settled into the land, homeownership became a reality for more and more people. When you combine homeownership and a sense of independence, it results in a protective, do-it-yourself perspective. Ordinary people learn unusual tasks to take care of their own property.

However, it isn’t easy to consider residential furnace maintenance as a do-it-yourself project, especially a gas-powered furnace. While there remain some tasks that HVAC technicians must accomplish, here are some tasks that homeowners can accomplish.

Supply Line Furnace Maintenance

If the gas supply has been turned off during the summer months, inspect the supply line and valve before turning the gas to the ON position. Follow the gas line to the furnace and locate the valve. With a soft bristle non-metallic brush, clean away any corrosion from the exterior. Ensure the valve turns freely–in an emergency, the gas may need to be shut off quickly.

Furnace Maintenance: Cleaning the Cabinet

At the electrical service panel, close the circuit market Furnace or HVAC. This protects you from electrical shock. Bolts hold a couple of panels in place. Remove the bolts and remove the panels to access the interior. Use the brush attachment on a shop vac and gently vacuum away dust from every surface that can be reached.

Give attention to the fins of the blower motor and the drip pan. During the cooling season, this drip pan collects the humidity the air conditioner removes from indoor air. Vacuum away dust and rust that may lead to a clogged drain line next spring. As you vacuum, be careful not to dislocate wire connections or dislodge components. Reconnect or tighten any poorly connected wires.

If you can view the rear portion of the blower fan, observe the condition of the drive belt. Look for cracks or fraying on the belt. Replacing the belt yourself is not advisable without serious mechanical skill. Make note of its condition and bring it to the attention of the technician during the next service call.

Restore the panels and tighten the bolts.

Furnace Maintenance: Change the Air Filter

Hopefully, you have changed the air filter frequently over the years and are familiar with its location. However, take a closer look and understand why it is placed in that spot. Air returns are scattered around the home and when the heating (or cooling) cycle begins, the entire volume of the home is pulled through this site and the filter. This happens about every 2 minutes of the cycle; if that doesn’t impress you, it should.

Since this extreme volume moves quickly through the filter, it is important to change the filter often—every three months is a starting point. By your observation, you may realize the filter needs to be changed more often. A clogged filter will severely slow the airflow and put increasing stress on the furnace to perform properly.

Other Furnace Maintenance Tasks

Most thermostats are battery-powered, so the batteries will need to be replaced annually. Hopefully, this is a familiar task since batteries should be replaced in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to keep your home safe.

While you might not be able to reach the majority of your ductwork for cleaning, clean the sections that you can reach. Make sure the registers and returns are uncovered, allowing the free flow of air.

While there are many tasks that an observant homeowner can do, there are some tasks that must be completed by a technician. These include inspecting the ignition source, the burner unit, the heat exchanger, and the exhaust vent. The same attention will be paid to electrical controls and switches to ensure the system functions efficiently.

Complete your Furnace Maintenance in Time for Winter

With our four decades of experience as a Houston HVAC Upgrade and furnace maintenance contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with your HVAC Replacement needs.

We have several financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your AC repairs, Tune-up maintenance, and needs for HVAC Replacement.

Deciding Between HVAC replacement or HVAC repair

During the fall, it is not unusual to have temperature swings that require both the air conditioning and heater on the same day. This highlights how dependent we have become on our HVAC system for comfort and health, and it would be terrible to do without it for several days or weeks.

Whenever a repair is necessary, it might elicit some concern about eventual replacement. How will you know when it is time to replace rather than repair the system? Here are the top HVAC replacement vs HVAC Repair indicators that will help you make a wise decision when that time comes.

Know the Age of Your System

Major air conditioner components have an average lifespan of 15 years, while furnace components will last a little longer, about 20 years. If you know when your system was installed, it will give you an idea of when the system should be replaced. While it is possible to replace the air conditioner without changing the furnace, it is most common to replace both at once.

Technological Advances

In recent years, researchers have produced advanced refrigerant gases—the key to air conditioning and heat pump heating. Older gases have been determined to be hazardous to the environment and will no longer be manufactured.

Therefore, if your aging system leaks an outdated refrigerant gas, replacement may be quite expensive or impossible. If you need to determine the refrigerant gas of your system, research the make and model number online.

If your system is ten years old or older, technological advances in new systems will significantly reduce energy consumption and therefore reduce the cost of heating/cooling.

Incentives

Government agencies and local utilities offer financial incentives for replacing aging systems. Government agencies are encouraging lower carbon emissions. Local utilities can reduce their cost by producing less energy. One HVAC system with improved efficiency does not make a difference, but encouraging many improved systems will make a difference.

These incentives will not cover the entire cost of a system replacement, but they will definitely help most family budgets.

HVAC Replacement or HVAC Repair Costs

Complex repair cost calculators are available but are not necessary. A few indicators will help you determine that the required repair is too expensive.

• First, determine the replacement cost for your current system, including installation cost. A ballpark figure is sufficient.
• Second, record the timing and cost of various repairs over time. Do not include costs for maintenance or cleaning calls since these should be scheduled for both existing and new systems.
• Third, watch for components that need to be replaced every year or so, or one repair that leads to another, more expensive repair.
• Finally, as the system ages, anticipate a major, expensive repair that rivals the cost of replacement.

These indicators should prepare a homeowner to determine when a repair is too expensive.

Family Comfort

An aging system may also lose efficiency to the point where your family is uncomfortable—too hot in the summer or too cool in the winter—may be the deciding factor in your decision. An aging system may also negatively impact the indoor air quality in a home, making the space uncomfortably humid, dry, or have a musty smell.

These factors will give homeowners adequate information for deciding to forgo the repair in favor of a system replacement.

Trying to decide between an HVAC replacement or an HVAC repair? We can help!

With our four decades of experience as a Houston HVAC Upgrade and furnace maintenance contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with your HVAC Replacement needs.

We have several financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your AC repairs, Tune-up maintenance, and needs for HVAC Replacement.

Commercial Air Conditioning What You Need To Know About Costs

Sometimes the internet can be so helpful and sometimes it can be a royal pain. It is excellent for purchasing commodity items with set prices and known shipping costs. It is not very helpful when you research large ticket items or services; there are so many variables that affect the price, and no one will make an estimate on a project “sight unseen.”

If you are planning Commercial Air Conditioning replacement for your building, you need to budget figures for planning purposes that come close to reality. Good luck wading through complicated square footage calculation x a dollar amount that ranges from $3/sf to $35/SF. That much variation is not helpful at all!

We are going to give you two simple calculations and a simple list of variables. We figure that if you manage a commercial property, you will be able to take limited information, complete some research, and make a projection for the budget. So, let’s dive in.

Two Simple Commercial Air Conditioning Calculations

• Square footage of the building x 25 = BTUs needed for air conditioning. Twenty-five represents the average air temperature change needed. If the outdoor temp is 100⁰ F, AC will need to bring the indoor air temperature to 75⁰ Example: 20,000 SF x 25 = 410,000 BTUs.
• BTUs / 12,000 = AC tons Air conditioners are sold in tons. Example: 410,000 BTUs / 12,000 = 34.2 tons

At least you have a base model to determine to price. But you are not finished quite yet.

Simple Variable

Tonnage is a starting point, but there are some variables that will affect the price. Variables may have a positive or a negative impact on your installation cost and operation cost.

Building Type

Several things about your building will impact the cost of installing new AC. Are you trying to cool a single-story strip center or a five-story office building, needing a crane to lift heavy equipment? Are you cooling a gym, with 12-foot ceilings, filled with people and machines generating a lot of heat, or an office farm with 8-foot ceilings with people doing rather sedentary work? The more complicated the installation, the higher the cost.

Types of Commercial Air Conditioning Systems

Various building types and business applications will require different types of AC systems. Here is a list of common AC applications.

• Package Units closely resemble residential HVAC systems (heating and cooling will use common components, and refrigerant gas passes between an outdoor compressor and an indoor blower. (Adding heating capacity to your AC system will impact your component cost.)
• Mini-split ductless systems are used to cool small zones, such as hotel rooms or apartments.
• Variable refrigerant systems cool large spaces and may use air, water, and/or refrigerant gas.

This is a simple list—there are many more system types. Since you know your building well, this gives you a better idea of the major type of system you will need.

Added Commercial Air Conditioning Features

So far, you have been looking at “base models,” but your long-term goals might require some feature upgrades. While doing research, watch for the cost of a few upgrades to help with budgeting.

• SEER rating. Air conditioner efficiency is rated in SEERs or seasonal energy efficiency ratings, the higher the SEER number, the more efficient the system. If your building requirements or operational requirements demand energy efficiency, watch for the SEER or SEER 2 rating that takes effect in January of 2023. Efficiency comes with a higher capital expense but is recovered quickly with lower utility bills.
• Air quality. Ultra-violet (UV) light damages the cell walls of living organisms—UV light causes sunburns. Installing UV light in the ductwork neutralizes (kills) microorganisms as they move through the system. Mold and mildew spores, pollen, bacteria, and viruses are reduced to dust and removed by air filters. The cost is low, and the benefit is high if you have room in the budget.
• Automated controls. Reducing access to the thermostat(s) is a good idea. Scheduling temperature changes for energy savings is wise. Wi-Fi access to building controls is convenient. Look at some of these system control features.

A few other variables will come out in your research, such as brand differentials and local labor costs, but normal research will uncover these indicators. This article did not declare a cost for your system; that was not the goal. We hope this gives you enough information to help you research the cost of replacing your Commercial Air Conditioning for budgetary purposes and to give you a starting point to begin shopping for the best contractor to install your new system.

Have Questions About Commercial Air Conditioning?

With our four decades of experience as a Commercial Air Conditioning contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with HVAC System Replacement and HVAC Maintenance and answer questions about your Commercial Air Conditioning system.

We have several financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Air Conditioner Tune Up maintenance, repair, and installation needs.

HVAC Duct Cleaning During Your New AC Installation

After many years of faithful service, the time has come to replace your entire heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The contractor has been selected, the equipment has been ordered, and the installation has been scheduled. Before the installation, you have a little time to contemplate the installation process and prepare your home.

Here are some tips to consider in preparation:

This is an excellent time to clean your HVAC ductwork. Ducts transport conditioned air throughout your home and this air carry many airborne particles invisible to the naked eye. You are constantly removing these particles when you dust and vacuum your home. These same particles are accumulating in your ducts. Since the new components of your HVAC system will be shiny and clean, clean the old portion of the system in preparation.

Preparing for HVAC Duct Cleaning

• Declutter the areas around each supply vent (floor vents in most homes) and return registers (larger wall vents close to the ceiling). The duct cleaning contractor will need access to all of the openings.
• The dust will be vacuumed away from vent openings, but if possible cover furniture near the vents to catch any residual dust.
• Protect children and pets by keeping them well clear of workspaces. The process will be exciting—with several workers moving around, and noisy.

The HVAC Duct Cleaning Process

• Our HVAC duct cleaning team will make a visual inspection of various duct locations before cleaning the ducts. Inspections can uncover gaps in the sheet metal connections that allows air to escape into the attic, basement, or walls. It might also reveal the presence of pests or a mold infestation. The inspection might include video equipment or mirrors to make thorough inspections.
• Before the cleaning begins, the vents and registers will be sealed to prevent dust and debris from entering the home. After the vents are sealed, negative pressure (vacuum) is applied to the entire duct system. Flexible brushes with spinning heads are attached to a vacuum cleaner hose. The brushes dislodge dust and debris, while the vacuum removes them from your home. Once the ducts are completely clean the seals will be removed from the vent openings. The HVAC Duct Cleaning process takes approximately 4 hours.
• When the HVAC Duct Cleaning process is finished, the team lead might suggest a high-quality filter and remind you that air filters should be replaced at least every three months.

Preparing for HVAC Installation

• Replacing your HVAC system will be just as exciting and involve a team moving around the home. Protect your children and pets by keeping them clear of workspaces.
• On installation day, the team will arrive as scheduled; if something delays their arrival, the team lead will communicate with you about the alternative schedule.
• The team will complete a pre-installation inspection, locate existing components, observe obstacles for the moving equipment, and clear paths as needed, and foot-traffic covers and tarps as needed to protect your home.

The Installation Process

• As a precaution, the power and gas lines (as needed) will be disconnected and will remain disconnected until the installation is complete. (Avoid very hot or very cold days if possible.)
• The heat pump system uses refrigerant gas for both heating and cooling. Containing this gas is an environmental necessity, so the team will carefully remove the gas from the system lines.
• If electrical upgrades are needed for your new system, they will need to be made prior to installation. An electrical sub-contractor will make the needed upgrades.
• The old equipment will be carefully uninstalled and removed from the house. Keep in mind, HVAC components might be located in the basement/crawlspace, the attic, or a mechanical closet inside the home. New components will usually be installed in the same space as the old units.
• The condenser unit, the outdoor portion of your system, will be replaced as well. It will need to be supported on a solid footing and local regulations may require that it be elevated. The team will ensure a 2-foot clearance on every side of the condenser to accommodate great airflow.
• New connections, tubing, and drain lines might need to be installed to match the new system. Everything will be completed according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Electrical connections and refrigerant gas/natural gas lines will be installed and tested.
• The new refrigerant gas lines will be vacuum evacuated and charged with refrigerant gas. This technology changes frequently; if the gas from your old system is useful, it will be reinstalled.
• Often, a new thermostat will also be installed with the new system.

Post Installation Expectations

• After all of the connections have been tested, the power and gas will be reconnected and the system tested. Both heating and cooling functions will be tested.
• The HVAC duct cleaning team lead will inspect the system with you, the homeowner, making you familiar with the component locations and giving instructions concerning the system’s function. Thermostat settings and scheduling will be demonstrated. There will be ample time for discussion and questions, so make sure you understand the function of the system.
• The HVAC duct cleaning team will load up the old equipment, tools, and floor protection. The team lead will make sure to leave a number in case of further questions or problems.

Few home-improvement purchases are as impactful as a new HVAC system. It affects your health and comfort for the next couple of decades. We are committed to making everything about your purchase as pleasant and beneficial as possible.

Have Questions About HVAC Duct Cleaning?

With our four decades of experience as an HVAC installation contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with HVAC Duct Cleaning and HVAC Maintenance.

We have several financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Air Conditioner Tune Up maintenance, repair, and installation needs.

6 Reasons an HVAC System Replacement Should Be Done When You Remodel

Major building renovations are both exhilarating and terrifying! Change and innovation should improve and enhance business, but the planning and implementation can be so challenging. While you are expanding spaces, moving walls, and researching technologies, you might forget to consider a new HVAC system for your remodel.

That might especially be the case if the renovation does not change your basic footprint. The current system should serve the same space. Right? There is more than just square footage to consider for an HVAC system load calculation. Here are several reasons you might need a HVAC System Replacement as a part of your commercial building renovation:

The Age of the Current System.

Commercial HVAC systems work long and hard. Like any mechanical system, they will reach an end of serviceability. The average commercial HVAC system functioning for about 20 years. If your system is approaching or has surpassed that average, replacement should be seriously considered. Making another capital investment two years after your remodel reflects poor planning.

Ensure the Size is Correct.

HVAC systems are “sized” using a load calculation; square footage, door and window openings, ceiling heights, and system technologies are parts of the equation. Heating is sized in British Thermal Units or BTUs and air conditioning is sized in tons. This calculation can be done using your proposed changes and existing components to give you an idea of whether the new units will serve the new construction well. HVAC systems that are either too large or too small will waste energy and lead to premature wear on component parts.

Renovation should seal leaking windows and doors—perhaps with new products that reduce infrared rays. It may involve new lighting technology, reducing the heat gained from incandescent bulbs. It may include new spaces with special heating or cooling needs, such as an expanded kitchen in a restaurant or a server room. Make sure the new space is comfortable and healthy for staff and guests.

Duct Placement.

The “V” in HVAC stands for ventilation, the movement of safe, fresh air throughout the building. A new floor plan and changing the building layout affects how the air moves and could isolate certain spaces. Both the ducts and the supply vents will need to be changed to meet the requirements in the new spaces. Return air chases will also be strategically located for optimum airflow. These changes are also a part of the load calculation mentioned above.

Building Usage.

If your renovation accommodates a new client with a different usage for the same space, it may require installing a new HVAC system. The heating and cooling need changes when converting a fitness center to accommodate a new banquet center. A pizzeria morphing into a bookstore will naturally change the level of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The hours of operation or additional equipment might also require a new system.

Occupancy Level.

The human body is very much like a small furnace, putting off heat at a temperature of about 98.6⁰ Fahrenheit. If your remodel has a goal of increasing the number of occupants—rather staff, guests, or both—this will affect the requirements for both heating and cooling. Since you are adding human furnaces, it should lead to lower heating and greater air conditioning needs, even if you are conditioning the same amount of space.

Odor Control.

We already mentioned that changing the layout can alter ventilation. That will become abundantly clear when considering exhausting odors. Whether needing to move odors from restrooms, roasting coffee, or exercise sweat, the movement of air will significantly impact the final results. Preparing for proper ventilation might require the replacement of the current HVAC system.

Have Questions About HVAC System Replacement?

With our four decades of experience as an HVAC installation contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with HVAC System Replacement and HVAC Maintenance and answer questions about your AC system.

We have several financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Air Conditioner Tune Up maintenance, repair, and installation needs.

Commercial AC Repair: The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Many commercial facility managers tend to have one of two informal approaches to air conditioner maintenance:

• Approach one is to only complete minimal maintenance tasks, knowing well that repair bills will be higher down the road. Since those repairs will be several years later, the manager is counting on the cash flow for the building to be better later.
• Approach two is to keep systems well-maintained, understanding this will lengthen the useful life of the system and reduce repair bills. Any accrued cost for preventative maintenance will be more than offset by pushing system replacement years away.

If you consider air conditioner maintenance to be expensive, consider these observations.

Commercial AC Repair & Maintenance is Not Difficult

Scheduling commercial air conditioner maintenance is as easy as a phone call. Our dispatcher will gather information about your system, building operations, and building layout. We can schedule our visit to ensure we do not interfere with normal business operations. If we need to shut the system down, we can schedule this at an optimum time during the year.

Commercial AC Repair & Maintenance Improves Efficiency

The air conditioning system in each building was designed using the latest technology available to serve the needs of the occupants at the lowest price possible. Over time, your system meets very small particles, such as dust and pollen, which accumulates just about everywhere inside the system. Air filters remove the majority of these particles, but enough bypass the filters to cause problems with mechanical and electrical parts.

Scheduled maintenance begins with an inspection of components and cleaning the dust that settles over everything. Removing dust increases the efficiency of the components and requires less energy to complete the cooling task. Less energy means fewer operating costs on a monthly basis.

Commercial AC Repair & Maintenance Avoids Major Repairs

A second part of the maintenance visit includes testing various mechanical and electrical components for stress or failure. The pressure of the refrigerant gas will be tested; a gradual reduction in gas pressure indicates a leak since the gas is put under intense pressure. Low pressure can result in system stress and eventually premature component failure.

A failed sensor is quite a minor problem, but false readings can increase the length or frequency of cooling cycles. A thorough examination of your entire system will catch small problems, like a failed sensory, before they become large, expensive problems.

Commercial AC Repair & Maintenance Lengthens Usefulness

Since regular maintenance catches small problems, the entire air conditioner system will see less stress. Over many years of serviceability, the result is a system that functions longer than poorly maintained systems. While exploring this type of information, consider this about what you read:

• Most information is offered by people who have “skin in the game.” They either want you to replace your current AC system or are demonstrating an above-average functional life.
• No one can guarantee the results of any system, whether it is well-maintained or poorly maintained.
• Most will agree that the average system will last 15 to 20 years and that well-maintained systems often last 25 to 30 years.

Commercial AC Repair & Maintenance Improves Indoor Air Quality

Every time your system is cleaned, it removes dust, pollen, and mold spores from your building. This leaves a cleaner, healthier environment for staff and customers. If left in the system, they are transported throughout the building to settle onto floors and surfaces for someone else to clean. They can also adversely affect occupants with allergic reactions and breathing difficulties. Plus, a well-maintained system feels and smells better.

Have Questions About Commercial AC Repair?

With our four decades of experience as a Commercial AC Repair contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with Commercial AC Repair and Commercial HVAC Maintenance and answer questions about your AC system.

We have several financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Air Conditioner Tune Up maintenance, repair, and installation needs.

5 Reasons Your Home May Need Electrical Rewire

There is not a time in the day that we are not relying upon the electrical system that runs throughout your home. There is not a season of the year that we rely upon it less than other seasons. We rely upon electricity for comfort, cooking, communication, entertainment, work, and keeping schedules.

Honestly, we do not understand electricity well—we only interact with the controls and enjoy what electricity does for us. As a responsible homeowner, you need to understand enough about your system to be aware of indications of trouble, since nearly 55,000 home fires are caused by electrical problems that develop over time. Here are six of the most common indicators of electrical problems developing.

Old Wiring In Your Home May Mean it it Time for an Electrical Rewire

Electrical wiring is pretty stable and generally, the materials that carry electricity do not “wear out” or weaken. However, an older home with an older electrical system may need to be inspected and you may receive a recommendation to rewire your home. Here are a few reasons rewiring might be necessary.

• From 1960 to the mid-1970s, aluminum wiring was commonly used in residential construction as a cost-saving measure. While aluminum conducts electricity, it is about 40% less conductive than copper, the preferred wiring material. Multiple problems develop with aluminum wiring; if your home still has aluminum wiring, consider replacing it as a safety measure.

Homes built between 1880 and 1940 commonly used “knob and tube” wiring with cloth insulation and exposed wire connections. Knob and tube wiring should be replaced as a safety measure.

• Older homes with outdated electrical systems might be inadequate for the technology and electrical demands of modern living. You most likely use more appliances with a heavier current than your 50-year-old home was designed for like: HVAC, hot water heater, clothes dryer, and perhaps an EV charging station. Your home may have an inadequate number of outlets, forcing the use of extension cords and power strips.

Electrical Rewire: Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips

Your home is divided into electrical zones, with a group of outlets or lights grouped together on a circuit. If something unusual happens to the circuit, it trips a circuit breaker to keep people and appliances safe from shock or damage. If a circuit breaker trips frequently, it indicates something unusual and potentially hazardous is happening. It may indicate a faulty appliance that needs to be replaced or it may indicate a developing electrical problem.

Electrical Rewire: Unusual Odors

There are two odors associated with electrical problems:

• Right before a thunderstorm, you might smell ozone, a form of oxygen that happens during the tremendous electrical charge we know as lightning. While oxygen is odorless, ozone has a sharp, fresh smell. You might also smell ozone indoors when a spark is generated during a short circuit. If you are unaware of a short circuit, ozone might alert you that it happened without your knowledge.
• When electricity is restricted, it creates significant heat, enough heat to melt vinyl insulation and cause combustion with building materials, furniture, or appliances. Normally, the circuit will trip before a serious problem develops, but about 55,000 times annually, it does not.

Electrical Rewire: Discolored Outlets or Extension Cords

Often a short circuit or spark happens immediately after you plug in a device, but sometimes it happens when you are not present. If you become aware of scorch marks or discoloration on wall outlets or extension cords, the device needs to be an outlet or the cord needs to be replaced. Investigate the problem further to keep your family safe and your home from receiving damage.

Electrical Rewire: Flickering Light Bulbs

For various reasons, a light bulb may loosen and create a flicker—even bulbs that were tightened properly. If a light flickers frequently, even after you have tightened it, or if a light bulb burns out prematurely, it is a problem that needs to be investigated and addressed. It might be a problem in the circuit or a larger problem with current surges.

Electrical Rewire: Loud Buzzing Noises

Electricity hums as it moves; we are accustomed to hearing the familiar hum. However, when current is restricted, either in an appliance or an outlet, the hum increases in volume to an unusual buzzing noise. The harsher buzz is an indication of a small electrical problem that will usually develop into a large problem.

Need an Electrician?

Our four decades of experience as a Houston Commercial Electrician and contractor AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help with all electrical repairs for your home and business.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call our teams of Commercial Electricians at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.

14 Electrical Safety Tips You Need to Know

Always ready to pass on safety tips to friends, consider this an Electrical Safety 101 article.

Each year, about 400 people die from electrocution and another 400 from fires caused by electrical hazards. Electricity injures another 4,000 and electrical fires cause about $1.6 billion each year. A few basic understandings can help you develop ways to make sure to keep your home and family safer.

• Water is an excellent conductor of electricity. Since our bodies are 70% water, we are GREAT conductors of electricity, so best not to come into contact with it.
• Electricity is seeking ground-in most cases the ground, the earth. It will follow any conductor that leads to the earth; ANYTHING.

Here are 14 Electrical Safety tips to help you put these choice nuggets of information into practical use.

1. Avoid mixing water and electricity. In 1971, when ground fault circuit interceptor (GFCI) outlets were required within 6’ of plumbing receptacles, the number of electrocution deaths in homes dropped by fifty percent. If electrical cords or hand-held appliances come into contact with water, go to the service panel and shut off the breaker—do not try to retrieve the cord or appliance while the current is still connected.
2. Make sure to ground appliances and equipment properly. Change receptacles to three-prong outlets rather than using a two-prong adapter.
3. Listen to your appliances. If an appliance repeatedly trips a circuit breaker, it is a cry for help, because something is wrong. Ignoring your appliances can lead to damage to the appliance or to your home. An electrician can help you determine the cause.
4. Install GFCI outlets if needed. These life-saving devices interrupt the flow of electricity when it encounters water about 10 times faster than waiting for the circuit breaker to trip—almost instantaneously. If you own an older home, make sure to install these upgrades.
5. Evaluate your service panel. Your service panel regulates the flow of electricity coming into your home and if you own an older home, the amount of electricity might be inadequate for your current need. That happens when you remodel or add major appliances; it certainly can happen when you add an electric vehicle charging station.
6. Limit the use of extension cords and power strips. The goal should be to plug each appliance into a lone outlet and not overload any circuit. If you use power strips and surge protectors, understand their proper use.
7. Be kind to your cords. Grasp the plug at the outlet, don’t pull the cord. Do not nail or staple cords down or let them be pinched under doors or furniture. Extension cords are inexpensive—replace damaged cords.
8. Replace two-prong outlets. Most major appliances use three-prong plugs and the third prong provides an emergency “ground” in case of an emergency. If you own an older home with only two-prong outlets, an electrician can help you change your outlets to three-prong outlets.
9. Avoid cube taps. The little boxes that convert a two-plug outlet into a four-plug outlet—called a cube tap—seem convenient but are not a good long-term solution for overloading an outlet. Truth is, the outlet is not equipped to handle that much current, and cube taps can lead to overheating a circuit.
10. Replace missing or broken outlet covers. They protect fingers from coming in contact with wiring and are especially helpful in the dark.
11. Protect children with outlet covers. Filling outlets with plastic, non-conductive plugs prevent children from inserting anything into the hole, resulting in shock or electrocution. Another option is child safety plates, with built-in, retractable covers that snap in place over the outlet when not in use.
12. Use care with electrical power tools outdoors. Whether using construction tools, such as drills or saws, or outdoor lawn equipment, such as hedge trimmers or weed eaters, make sure to keep them dry. Do not use them during rain and use caution if the sprinkler comes on. Make sure that cords do not land in puddles—if they do, shut off the power at the circuit breaker before touching the cord or tool.
13. Respect overhead power lines. Do not touch them or let tools that come in contact with power lines. Be careful to stay away from them with ladders and tool extensions.
14. Know where water and electricity are in close proximity. That is kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and pools. Some of the appliances in these areas carry significant amounts of electricity, so use every safety feature available to make sure proximity does not lead to contact.

Would you like additional Electrical Safety tips?

Our four decades of experience as an Electrical Safety contractor AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help with all electrical repairs for your home and business.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call our teams of Commercial Electricians at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.

4 Signs You Need to Hire a Commercial Electrician

We are surrounded by electricity all day long, almost every day. Even while we sleep, the ceiling fan and alarm clock are still functioning close by, so we hear the familiar hum of electricity even in our sleep.

Lights and noise coming at us from different directions, bombard our senses so much that it is hard to tell when things are not okay. When there is a power outage, even for a short period of time, we are keenly aware of the eerie silence.

Electricity is vitally important to your business, and you know the importance of making speedy repairs when electrical problems arise. You also know that professional commercial electricians should make the needed repairs when an electrical problem arises.

What you might not recognize are warning signs, telling you to seek help from a commercial electrician. Here are five indications of wiring problems distinguishable from the normal sensory overload.

Extended Flickering of Lights

Incandescent bulbs are designed to last about 1,000; they might flicker once before burning out.

Fluorescent bulbs flicker for a short period as they cycle on; after a few minutes, the flickering should stop. They are designed to last more than 6 years for ten hours per day under normal circumstances and as they age, they will flicker and dim.

LED bulbs do not flicker when you turn them on. They are designed to burn faithfully for about 100,000 hours—approximately 27 years at 10 hours per day.

Both fluorescent and LED bulbs use a ballast—a current reducer and regulator—since these bulbs require less energy. As a ballast begins to fail it can also cause these bulbs to flicker. Replacing the ballast should return the lights to normal brightness and steady light.

If you see a light or a bank of lights flickering, it is an indication of a wiring problem that needs to be addressed by a commercial electrician.

A Breaker Tripping or a Fuse Blowing

Circuit breakers are safety devices that recognize when 1) excess current pours into a circuit—a power surge, or 2) current is interrupted—a short circuit. Fuses are an older version of the same device; for the same reasons, a small wire connector melts and stops the current from flowing.

Circuit breakers trip for many reasons and often you are aware of the reason. However, when a circuit trips unexpectedly and frequently, this is also an indication of needed repairs. It may indicate an overloaded circuit and therefore the need for an additional circuit to handle the load.

Switches and Outlets that Stop Working

Electrical components are designed to function continuously but will wear out over time. If the circuit breaker is ON and a switch or outlet is not working, this is a problem. If plugs do not fit properly into an outlet it needs to be replaced. If an outlet has a scorch mark or is discolored, it needs to be replaced by a Commercial Electrician.

Electricity Should Not Be Experienced

You should never feel electricity—even mild electrical shock is extremely dangerous and indicates a grounding problem. Switches should not give off a shock. Plugging a device into an outlet should not produce a shock.

You should never see electricity—sparks always indicate trouble. Sparks will lead to electrical shock. Sparks can lead to a fire. Electrical sparks produce extreme heat which leaves a telltale scorch mark. If you did not see the spark but see the scorch it is an indication.

You should never smell electricity—the smell of something burning is a major indication. The old adage “where there is smoke there is fire” is true concerning electricity.

An electrical problem might produce one, two, or three of these indicators, but they are all three a problem. Do not ignore these indicators but call a professional electrician to investigate the problem and find a solution.

Do you think you may need a commercial electrician?

Our four decades of experience as a Houston Commercial Electrician and contractor AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help with any commercial electrical repairs.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call our Commercial Electricians today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.

5 Energy Saving Commercial HVAC Maintenance Tips

Your air conditioning system is essential to keeping your commercial venture comfortable for staff and guests, but with rising energy prices, the cost to heat and cool is rising every day.

HVAC represents 40% of your energy utility bills and each year the cost of energy seems to be rising. With some professional help, here are a few steps to lower your commercial heating and cooling costs.

Partner with your Commercial HVAC Maintenance professional to care for and upgrade your HVAC system. This will ensure you have the latest technology to keep your system functioning very efficiently.

• Be vigilant about maintaining your equipment. Regular maintenance drives away the enemy of your HVAC system—dust and dirt that accumulates as the air moves.Maintenance visits will also inspect component parts and refrigerant gas pressures. Aging parts, nearing failure, lose efficiency; these visits catch small problems before they become big problems.
• Change the air filters on a regular basis; your system manual should give you filter change guidelines. Air filters trap airborne particles and remove them permanently from your facility. Trapped particles also do not make their way into component parts of your system.A clean filter allows air to move freely and efficiently, not to mention the benefit the work environment. A dirty filter slows air movement and places stress on the system. This will decrease efficiency and increase wear and tear on the equipment.
• Replace component parts in a timely manner. If you learn that a part is failing, remember it is losing efficiency as well. When a complete system needs to be replaced, delaying will not save energy or money. A good HVAC professional can keep you apprised of component function and help you prepare for replacement costs.
• Communicate frequently with your HVAC professional concerning new, energy-saving equipment. Upgraded thermostats with scheduling capabilities allow you to program temperature changes that save money and meet your facility use schedule.Buildings can be zoned for separate controls. Temperature change buffers can be scheduled for the return of occupants. A little preparation can make a significant difference—often about a 10% decrease in energy use.
• Train your staff for efficient HVAC use. Unprotected thermostats should not be subject to individual adjustments. Small, desk-top fans are acceptable, individual space heaters are counterproductive to energy savings. A light sweater can bridge the gap instead.

We Are the Commercial HVAC Maintenance Experts

With our four decades of experience as a Commercial HVAC Maintenance contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with Commercial HVAC Maintenance and answer questions about your AC system.

We have several financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Air Conditioner Tune Up maintenance, repair, and installation needs.

Air Conditioner Tune Up Preparing Your Home For Summer

School is out and summer is in full swing! Sports are winding down a bit and a frantic-paced schedule is in the rearview mirror. This is a time to plan vacations, grill out with friends, and lounge around the pool for a while. In anticipation of entertaining, you might want to complete a few last-minute tasks around the house to make sure it is ready for guests. Conducting an Air Conditioner Tune Up will ensure that your HVAC system is ready to take on the wear and tear of summertime heat.

Late Spring Cleaning

If your schedule prevented a good cleaning at the beginning of spring, do it now. Vacuum, dust, change bedding, and clean drapes. This will remove dust and pollen, allergens that no guests need to breathe in. You will be surprised at the amount of dust you remove.

Air Conditioner Tune up 

How long has it been since an HVAC technician cleaned and serviced your AC unit? Hands down, this is the most cost-effective measure you can take to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently. It extends the useful years of your entire HVAC system. A tune-up often catches small problems before they become large problems.

Change Your Air Filter

Schedule a filter change every three months. Every season is exactly three months long. Use the change of seasons as a reminder to change your HVAC air filter. All of the dust captured by the filter will no longer circulate throughout your home.

Inspect the Various Alarms

Your home should have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed. Push the red button to ensure each one functions properly. Replace batteries annually. If a detector does not function upon testing, it will need to be replaced and the old detector should be disposed of properly.

Upgrade Lighting

Technological advances have been good for the lighting industry. Incandescent and halogen bulbs produce as much or more heat than they produced light. LED light bulbs produce more light and less heat. Systematically replace old lighting technology with new.

Check the Fire Extinguishers

Various areas of your home should have a fire extinguisher nearby; often this is required by building code. If you only think about them when needed. Make sure you know their location, check their charge, and replace them when necessary.

Take a Look at Your Water Heater

How old is your water heater? Read an available manual concerning maintenance. Chemicals in public water systems can corrode the tank; inspect for small leaks that might develop. When water heaters fail, it is as shocking as a cold shower. Don’t get caught unaware.

Make sure the Grill is Ready

Don’t wait until the “day of” to clean the grill. Scour off the leavings of meals fondly remember before you cook the next backyard feast.

Give the Yard Some TLC

• The leaves and limbs from last winter should be long gone, but spring has covered everything with pollen and seeds. Power wash, scrub, and hose down as needed. Make sure that lawn furniture and decorations are clean and fresh.
• Freshen up landscaping, adding pops of color and fresh mulch. Prune and trim landscaping flora.
• If you have a pool and plan to open it for the summer, take the time to make it sparkle.

Your yard should give your home good curb appeal and welcome family and guests.

We Are the Air Conditioner Tune Up Experts

With our four decades of experience as an Air Conditioning contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with Air Conditioner Tune Up and answer questions about your AC system.

We have several financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Air Conditioner Tune Up maintenance, repair, and installation needs.

Reasons You Need a Whole-house Backup Generator

If you are considering a Whole-house Backup Generator, but need a little more information to aid your decision-making, here are four very good considerations to help you make a decision.

1. A confident solution when the power grid is unreliable. Homeowners are experiencing increases in utility costs but very little of that money is used to replace an aging electrical power grid. Weather patterns are changing. Both extreme cold and extreme heat lead to power outages. Storms, both localized thunderstorms and massive hurricanes can cause power outages that last for days and weeks.

Whole-house Backup Generators provide emergency power for these situations and more. It is an affordable solution to help protect your family from a number of threats and keep the lights on when the lights go out.

2. They come in various sizes and can be customized to meet your need.

• Smaller, less expensive generators can power priority circuits that keep major appliances and devices powered. This avoids the loss of food in refrigerators and freezers. This also keeps the AC and essential lighting circuits powered.
• Larger generators can service the entire house, powering phones, computer systems, and even the washer/dryer.

Lighting candles can be reserved for ambiance situations and should not be necessitated by the loss of power.

3. Whole-house Backup Generator activates automatically when the power goes out. The fuel supply is already delivered. The sensors acknowledge the loss of power and within seconds the generator springs to action, shutting off the connection with the power grid and sending electricity to priority circuits. A backup generator is ready 24-7, in all types of weather.

Portable generators take time to bring out of storage, set up outside—potentially in a bad storm, running extension cords over potentially wet ground to various appliances and devices. Preparing a portable generator is generally done in the cold or heat, often while it’s raining, and often in the pitch dark. Of course, a portable generator will require adding fuel frequently, usually in very bad conditions.

A backup generator is a much better choice.

4. Backup generators are inexpensive to operate. The price of generators has come down and is more energy-efficient than earlier models. The generator is connected to a natural gas or propane gas utility supply system. The power goes out and the backup generator comes on almost simultaneously.

In comparison, portable generators require a supply of fuel to be kept on hand and to replenish the generator repeatedly. Portable generators are also less fuel-efficient and will burn through the fuel in the tank quickly. When that supply is exhausted, the fuel will need to be replenished and it might not be readily available.

Interested in a Whole-house Backup Generator?

Our four decades of experience as a Houston Electrician and contractor AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help with Whole-house Backup Generator selection and installation in your home and business.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.

Hurricane Electrical Safety: Preparing for Hurricane Season 2022

Major storms, including tropical storms and hurricanes, move from the south Atlantic to the North American coast and the Gulf of Mexico every year on a regular basis; most of these storms will come between early June and late November. On average, 2 major tropical storms (tropical storms, depressions, and hurricanes) make landfall each year in Texas. These storms are serious weather events that have included 63 major storms since 1851. Hurricanes pose three major dangers:

• High winds ranging between 75 mph and 150 mph
• Heavy rain: +60” of rain fell during Hurricane Harvey
• Dangerous storm surge along the coastline.

Because of these dangers, government agencies at every level encourage south Texans to prepare for the next big storm. Your plan should include preparation before the storm arrives, plans to weather the storm, and a recovery plan for the aftermath. We offer a beginning Hurricane Electrical Safety guideline for pre-storm preparation; please adapt this for your home, family, and setting.

Hurricane Electrical Safety: Plans to Go

Hurricanes are classified into five categories, with Category 1 being the least intense and Category 5 being the most intense storm. Your pre-storm guideline should take all 5 categories into consideration.

• Recognize the difference between a Storm Watch and a Storm Warning. Since a hurricane does not announce ahead of time where it will make landfall, a broad area receives a Watch—calling on residents to be ready should they be in the path of the storm. A Warning is issued immediately before the storm breaks to the coastal area that will receive the storm.
• Make specific plans to communicate a plan for gathering quickly—from work, school, or daycare—leave no doubts about when or where.
• Become familiar with the designated Evacuation Routes. Should you need to leave your home for the safety of an inland location, these routes will be the safest roads for evacuating. Understand that you will not be alone in evacuating the area.

Hurricane Electrical Safety: Plans to Stay

Hurricanes are serious storms and power outages are to be expected. Damage to power poles and lines will be widespread and no one can predict how long the outage will last. For this reason, you must gather supplies.

• Purchase and store bottled water for your family for an extended time—at least one week.
• Purchase and store a food supply for your family, food that requires little or no preparation—as the power outage may limit your means of preparation.
• Purchase an adequate supply of medicine and other essential needs to make sure your family can be sustained.

Hurricane Electrical Safety: Prepare Your Home

Such storms are predictable—expect high winds and heavy rains; but the amount of damage from such storms is unpredictable. Prepare your home to minimize damage.

• If you are expecting high winds and heavy rain, make sure that:
  • Tree limbs are properly trimmed to avoid damaging your home
  • Clean leaves and debris from storm gutters
  • Secure lawn furnishing to keep them from causing damage
• Make sure that key technologies are fully charged, including cell phones, portable chargers, and laptop computers.
• Secure important documents in waterproof storage, including insurance policies.
• If you are content to stay and weather the storm, consider installing a generator to power the essential appliances and lighting to make your family as comfortable as possible during a trying time.

Have Additional Questions About Hurricane Electrical Safety?

Our four decades of experience as a Houston Electrician and contractor AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help with Hurricane Electrical Safety for your home and business.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.

HVAC Hurricane Preparedness: Tips for Homeowners

Weather events lead to about 100 major power outages annually across the US; thirty-seven states commonly experience major outages due to major storm events, extreme temperatures (both cold and hot snaps), and flash flooding.

During the Gulf Coast hurricane season, from early June to late November, the potential for widespread power outages is the greatest. Extreme storms can down utility poles, while trees and limbs can take out power lines.

Your own experience with such storms should inspire you to make significant plans for how your family can weather power outage events. Government agencies offer suggestions for extensive storm planning steps to help families prepare. This article will focus on plans for the 24-hour period before a hurricane event.

If you determine to ride the storm out at home and expect to be without power for from two days to one week, you can take the following steps to prepare.

• Do not depend upon store shelves to be fully stocked with emergency supplies. If you have not prepared an emergency stock of water and ready-to-eat meals, expect the race to gather last-minute supplies to be long, frustrating, and perhaps, counterproductive.
• Hurricanes produce three devastating conditions:
  • Strong storm surge along the coast
  • High winds, between 75 to 150 mph
  • Heavy rainfall

Minimize damage from these conditions by:

• Prepare for rising waters with sandbags as needed
• Make sure trees and shrubs are well-trimmed
• Secure lawn furniture, furnishings, tools, and toys
• Protect your outdoor AC unit from falling or flying objects. Hurricane straps are available from the local home improvement stores. If you cover the unit, make sure the AC is completely off first.

• Make sure available communication devices are charged, including all cell phones, available portable chargers, and laptop computers. You cannot control whether cell towers or internet service remain in service, but be as prepared as possible. They are a vital link, both to emergency responders and to family members checking on your status.
• Turn the thermostat down in the hours leading to the arrival of the storm. The AC will not only cool the air, but will cool the walls, floors, and furniture. A hurricane will bring warm temperatures and while the power is off, the house will begin to heat up. Keep windows and door closed until the storm is over and the heat/humidity have made the house muggy.

The same is true of refrigerators and freezers: keep the doors closed unless opening it is absolutely necessary. This will keep cold and frozen food at the proper temperature for as long as possible. After the storm, prepare to grill food outdoors while waiting for the power to be restored.

• If your HVAC system does not have a surge protector make sure to turn off your HVAC system during the storm. Expect frequent lightning strikes and intermittent power surges as the storm arrives. Neither are good for your HVAC system. If you have a cover for the outdoor AC unit, the time to install it is after shutting the system off.

Once the power is restored make sure to remove the cover for your outdoor unit; without adequate airflow it will overheat and cause a catastrophic failure.

Prepare for the hurricane season by having your HVAC system inspected and cleaned. Let us avoid certain maintenance problems and detect others. For months after a major hurricane, we anticipate a full schedule of repair and replacement for several months. The time to schedule preventative maintenance is now before the season begins.

Let us help with your HVAC Hurricane Preparedness

With our four decades of experience as an Air Conditioning contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to equip you for HVAC Hurricane Preparedness and answer questions around your AC system.

We have several financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your HVAC Hurricane Preparedness, repair, and installation needs.