Category: Blog
HVAC Services & Repair Your Questions Answered
This Blog was posted by Smithson Valley Services Air Conditioning Repair. We serve the Texas Hill Country, including Blanco | Bulverde | Canyon Lake | Fisher | Kendalia | New Braunfels | North San Antonio | Sattler | Sisterdale | Smithson-Valley | Spring Branch | Startzville
HVAC Services & Repair
Our Servicemen understand your air conditioning and heating system. We want you to understand it as well. Keeping you informed and educated on the products and services we offer is an important part of our customer service and customer loyalty.
Frequently Asked Questions about HVAC
What do rating numbers mean?
The U. S. government requires an efficiency rating for all air conditioning and heating equipment. The rating reflects the percentage of energy used efficiently, with a high rating indicating high efficiency.
What is a SEER?
There are special names for the efficiency rating of various types of equipment. Air conditioning equipment is rated by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating or SEER. The higher the SEER rating is, the more efficient the unit will be. More on this webpage
How can I be sure my unit is the right size?
Clearly, an air conditioning unit that is too small will not keep your home sufficiently cool. What many don’t realize is that an oversized system will cycle (turn off and on) more than necessary, wasting expensive energy and possibly putting undue strain on the compressor. Our technicians can determine the most favorable size for your home and/or business.
What does AFUE stand for?
There are special names for the efficiency ratings of various types of equipment. Gas furnaces are rated according to their Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency or AFUE. The higher the AFUE rating is, the more efficient the unit will be. More on this webpage
Can shrubs or flowers be planted around an outdoor unit?
Yes. However, we recommend that plants be no closer than 19 inches to the unit. This allows for plenty of room for air circulation in and out of the unit. Without this room for air circulation, the unit could overheat resulting in a premature need for service.
What is the difference between a split system and a package unit?
A split system uses indoor and outdoor components to provide a complete home comfort system. A package unit or self-contained unit requires no external coils, air handlers or heating units.
How often should I clean my furnace or heat pump filter?
We recommend monthly changing or cleaning of the filter in any heating and cooling system. This applies to electronic air cleaners too. Insufficient filter changes usually result in poor system performance, poor comfort, higher bills, more frequent repairs and premature system failure.
Certain rooms in my house never get comfortable.
How can I fix that? If some of your rooms are comfortable and others are not, what you have is a ductwork problem. In many cases, ductwork can be easily modified to accommodate dampers, deflectors, and other means of balancing uneven air flow.
What is the best temperature setting for my thermostat? At the lowest (winter) or highest (summer) temperature at which your family is truly comfortable. There is no magic number. The highest purpose of a home comfort system is comfort. If you heat with a heat pump not equipped with a “smart” thermostat, or a programmable thermostat, you should find a comfortable temperature setting and leave it there. With any system, it is easiest to balance comfort and economy with the help of a programmable thermostat.
Tips to Lower Heating/Air Conditioning Bills
Install Ceiling Fans. Keeps the air circulating in your home and your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard. Schedule Yearly HVAC maintenance. Increase the efficiency of your HVAC system by having it inspected and cleaned at least twice a year. Change Your Filters Regularly. Keep your HVAC system running at peak efficiency by changing the filter every thirty days. Upgrade to Energy Star Appliances. If your appliances are 10 years or older, consider replacing them with new, Energy Star models, which use considerably less energy. Get a programmable thermostat. Then, set it to run less when you’re at work or sleeping. A few degrees can shed 5-10% off your heating bill. Pile on the blankets. An extra blanket on your bed in the winter months is often all it takes to push back the thermostat another couple of degrees. Ensure Returns are Free of Obstruction.
More Great Blogs about Air conditioning Services here:
https://www.staffordfdn.org/ac-repair-raleigh-nc/
https://www.icarusfallen.us/the-whole-house-approach/
https://www.957theblaze.com/air-conditioning-repairs-maintenance/
https://www.twinvisionsweekly.com/understanding-air-conditioning-units/
https://www.1240wenk.com/climate-air-conditioning-must/
https://www.1240wenk.com/air-conditioning-repair-replace/
https://www.djwmusic.com/air-conditioning-repair-guid/
https://www.urbanchestnet.com/heater-repair-services/
https://www.thejfm.com/air-conditioner-repair-service/
http://www.visitduboiscounty.org/hvac-heating-ventilation-air-conditioning/
https://www.gunnisonvalleygazette.com/carrier-air-conditioning-installation-san-antonio/
Expertise in Screen Printing Clothing in Corpus Christi
Expertise in Screen Printing Clothing in Corpus Christi: The Impact Marketing Advantage
Corpus Christi’s business arena is a bustling hive of activity. In this dynamic environment, a brand’s visibility becomes the key to success. One of the potent tools that we at Impact Marketing provide for this purpose is screen printing clothing in Corpus Christi.
Screen printing is more than just a print on fabric. It’s about crafting a visual narrative that resonates with people. When someone dons a shirt with a screen-printed logo or message, they’re not just wearing an article of clothing; they become a mobile ambassador for the brand it represents.
Now, let’s talk about Corpus Christi. This thriving city has its unique vibe and culture. To truly make an impact here, brands need to align their promotions with local sensibilities. That’s where https://impactmarketingcc.com comes into the picture. With our in-depth knowledge of the Corpus Christi market, we ensure that our screen printing solutions are tailored to suit the local audience.
The range of clothing we offer for screen printing is vast. From T-shirts suitable for casual events to caps that find favor in outdoor activities, our catalog is designed to cater to diverse promotional needs. Every product is carefully chosen to ensure quality and comfort, so when your brand’s message is printed, it’s on an item that people will love to wear.
But why focus on clothing, specifically in Corpus Christi? Well, clothing is personal. It’s chosen, worn, and seen by many. With screen printed clothing, you’re not just reaching the person wearing it, but also everyone they interact with. The ripple effect, especially in a tight-knit community like Corpus Christi, can be significant.
At Impact Marketing, we pride ourselves on quality. Screen printing, if done improperly, can fade or wear out quickly. Our commitment is to provide prints that last, ensuring that your brand’s message remains vibrant and clear, wear after wear.
To wrap things up, screen printing clothing in Corpus Christi offers a dual advantage. It promotes your brand and also creates a connection with the community. And when this service is backed by Impact Marketing’s expertise, it guarantees that your promotional endeavors hit the mark every time.
So, if you’re gearing up to amplify your brand’s presence in Corpus Christi, let’s collaborate. Together, we can make sure that your brand isn’t just seen, but also felt and remembered. Reach out to us, and let’s chart a course for your brand’s success in the Corpus Christi market.
Residential Electricians – Good Electric San Antonio
This Blog was posted for you By Your Electrician San Antonio – Good Electric
Residential Electricians: Expert Solutions for Your Home’s Electrical Needs
Residential electricians play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, functionality, and efficiency of the electrical systems in our homes. From installations to repairs and upgrades, these skilled professionals are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to handle a wide range of electrical tasks. Let’s explore the vital services residential electricians offer and how they can benefit homeowners.
Electrical Installations
Residential electricians are trained to handle various electrical installations in homes. Whether you need new outlets, light fixtures, ceiling fans, or appliances installed, they can ensure proper wiring connections, adherence to safety codes, and efficient power distribution. With their expertise, they can help enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your living spaces. More about Residential Electricians San Antonio HereElectrical Repairs
Electrical problems can arise at any time, jeopardizing the safety and convenience of your home. When faced with issues such as flickering lights, power outages, or malfunctioning outlets, residential electricians are your go-to professionals. They possess the troubleshooting skills and tools necessary to identify the root cause of the problem and perform the required repairs promptly and effectively.
Electrical Upgrades
As technology advances and power demands increase, residential electrical systems may require upgrades to meet the growing needs of modern households. Residential Electricians can assess your existing electrical infrastructure and recommend necessary upgrades, such as panel upgrades, circuit installations, or rewiring, to ensure your home can handle the electrical load safely and efficiently.
Lighting Solutions
Proper lighting is essential for creating a comfortable and functional living environment. Residential electricians can assist in designing and installing lighting solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether you want to brighten up your kitchen, enhance outdoor spaces, or create ambiance with dimmers and smart lighting, they can provide expert guidance and implement the most suitable lighting fixtures and controls.
Electrical Safety Inspections
Electrical safety is paramount in every home. Residential electricians can conduct thorough electrical safety inspections to assess the condition of your electrical system and identify potential hazards. Through their inspections, they can detect faulty wiring, outdated components, improper grounding, or any other electrical issues that may pose safety risks. They can then provide recommendations for necessary repairs or upgrades to ensure a safe living environment for you and your family.
Energy Efficiency Solutions
With a growing focus on energy conservation and cost savings, residential electricians can help homeowners adopt energy-efficient practices. They can recommend and install energy-efficient lighting options, such as LED fixtures, and provide guidance on the use of smart home technologies and energy-saving devices. By optimizing your electrical system for efficiency, they can contribute to reducing your energy consumption and lowering utility bills.
Emergency Electrical Services
Electrical emergencies can happen unexpectedly, compromising the safety and functionality of your home. Residential electricians understand the urgency of such situations and offer 24/7 emergency services. Whether it’s a sparking outlet, electrical fire, or power outage, they can respond promptly to diagnose the issue and restore electrical service safely.
Residential electricians are essential for maintaining the electrical well-being of your home. With their expertise, they can handle installations, repairs, upgrades, and safety inspections, ensuring the reliable and safe operation of your electrical system. By entrusting your electrical needs to these professionals, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home’s electrical infrastructure is in capable hands. So, the next time you require electrical services, don’t hesitate to call upon the expertise of a qualified residential electrician.
Residential Exterminators – Bed Bugs
Residential Exterminators – Bed Bugs
Bed Bug Exterminator – It is a fact of life that we’ve had to accept, to share this world with other forms of life. But some boundaries are set up there are repercussions when these boundaries are crossed.
Flea Exterminator – Fleas cause general uneasiness and embarrassment when you start itching your head in front of friends or in a gathering. People at home treat their bodies for insecticides, but this alone is not enough to eliminate the problem.
Exterminator – Our company deals with pest-related problems at your home, office, business area, etc. We have a team of experts who know the pests, their behavior, their harm, and their control.
Cockroach Exterminator – There are more than fifty species of cockroaches in The United States. We have the solution to eliminate all those found. Getting rid of cockroaches is necessary. Apart from scaring away pretty girls, it carries many other harmful effects.
Pest Control – Roaches, rats, and bugs can invade even without us being aware of their presence. As we know, pests can multiply rapidly and overrun a house. When you notice infestations, don’t wait. If they are not controlled, they can cause various kinds of disease and distress to the family and pets.
Ant Exterminator – Our ant exterminator technology can eliminate this problem now. We are a 24/7 operation and have an excellent staff that can solve this problem for you quickly and efficiently.
Rat Control – We encounter issues like this regularly, and our rodent control unit will have no problem ridding you of these troubles. After all, you have a family to keep safe and a business to run.
Termite Control – Anything like stumps or even firewood should be removed. These are perfect spots for termites to start moving in.
Moth Pest Control – Our company provides a wide variety of services to rid you of your pest problem, from rodents to moths. We have a highly experienced team that has dealt with these problems and are ready to work with you to find a long-term solution.
CALL NOW FOR A FREE ESTIMATE!
Exterminator Services
- Green Pest Management
- Get Ultimate Protection From Household Pests and Termites
- < Rodent Proofing Exclusion
- Violation Removal
- Inspect miscellaneous areas (sheds, decks, swing sets, mailboxes, etc.) and treat them accordingly
- Fly Control
- Crawling Insects, Flying Insects, Rodents
- Inspect and treat the exterior of your home for pest activity
- Bird Control
- Check & refill rodent bait stations (if applicable)
- Reliable on-time service
- Family Owned and Operated
- Superior Service
- Featured in news articles and TV segments
CALL NOW FOR A FREE ESTIMATE!
American Homes Use The 3 Wire System
This Blog was posted for you By Your Electrician San Antonio – Good Electric
American Homes Use The 3 Wire System
North American Homes use a three-wire supply with many good points when installed and properly maintained. However, there are problems with this system, especially when “do-it-yourself” individuals do the work. There are two basic problems. In North America, the electricity supply comes to the home as three wires. Ground connections are created at home using driven ground rods, buried plates, or a metal water line. The third wire is bonded to this ground connection. The three wires come from a transformer’s “center tapped” secondary winding. Two outer legs have 240 volts across them. The third wire is the center tap, so there are 120 volts between this wire and either of the other two wires. The third wire carries only the unbalanced load and not the full load current. The center tap is connected to a grounding conductor at the transformer. The frequency is 60 Hertz. Since there are two “Live” wires, there are two main fuses or, more usually, one Double Pole circuit breaker. Undoubtedly, the North American system attempts to provide more safety than the European system. Portable appliances and light bulbs use 120 volts. Fixed appliances and heavy heating loads use 240 volts. In Europe, light bulbs and portable appliances use 240 volts at 50 Hertz on a two-wire system. More on this website
What are the problems with this system? The first problem comes because we need to use double-pole circuit breakers for the fixed load circuits. If this is done properly, there is no problem. However, there are cases where two single-pole circuit breakers are used instead of one double-pole breaker. The appliance stops working if one of these single pole breakers is tripped or switched off. The appliance is still “Live” because the second circuit breaker is still on. Trained people know how to test for this and avoid a shock. The do-it-yourself individual may receive a shock. If the correct circuit breaker is used, both poles will trip, and there is no problem. This is one of those cases where “making it work” does not mean “making it safe” A typical situation may involve a person who has decided to move an electrical baseboard heater (perhaps to install a new carpet or tile). This person may lower the setting of the thermostat to the lowest setting. This will stop heat from being produced, but there is still one live wire at the heater. Most untrained people would assume that there are no live wires present, just as would be the case with a light fixture that is switched off. Looking at a 240-volt thermostat, you will notice that it probably does not have an OFF position marked. This is because it must completely disconnect the heater if it says OFF. In other words, it must be a 2 pole thermostat. Most thermostats are only a single pole.
The second problem is caused by a poor neutral (third wire) connection. The severity of this problem depends on where the poor connection is located. For example, if it happens at a receptacle (plug) in the kitchen, you may destroy a small appliance. This is how it happens. Remember that we have 240 volts available. Each half of the duplex receptacle in a kitchen plug is on a different “live” leg, and they have a common neutral (3 wires). If the neutral wire is disconnected or has a poor connection, we have two 120-volt appliances plugged in to form a series circuit. Suppose we have a clock radio plugged into the bottom outlet and a kettle into the top outlet. The clock radio has a resistance of about 30 times (and maybe more) than the kettle. When the neutral is removed from the circuit, we have a series circuit, and the current is common to both appliances. The voltage drop across each appliance will be the common current multiplied by the resistance. If the clock radio has 30 times the resistance, it will have most 240 volts across it. We will get 8 volts across the kettle and 232 volts across the clock radio. Guess what happens to the clock radio. The U.S.A. has dealt with the kitchen receptacle problem by using 20 Amp 120 Volt two-wire circuits, whereas Canada still allows 3 wire circuits for the kitchen with the option of using 20 Amp 120 Volt circuits. If the poor connection is back at the main panel and on the incoming supply, many devices that draw low currents can be destroyed. This includes expensive computer equipment, sound equipment, telephone equipment, etc. There will be damage if you have a large load on one “live” leg and a relatively small one on the other “live” leg. If your light bulbs seem to burn out too quickly, this could cause the problem. The problem is more common in homes that use Aluminum wire. Many untrained individuals do not fully understand how important the grounding connection is to the system. People have been known to remove the main grounding wire while gardening because they thought it was unimportant (only the ground).
How To Select A Good Commercial Electrician
How To Select A Good Commercial Electrician
Here are the top qualities you need to look for if you search for a good commercial electrician who can give you quality work.
How To Identify A Good Commercial Electrician
When you decide to hire an electrician, you will soon find out that it is not an easy job to hire the one you need as there will be a lot of options available. You need to find the one who can fulfill your requirements. Some electricians have vast experience in construction work and commercial work. If you hire an electrician who has construction work experience, you may not get the work done on time. If your work includes many installations and cables, a commercial electrician is just the person you need to hire.
The Traits Of A Good Commercial Electrician
So now you have decided that you need a commercial electrician. How will you find the best one from numerous options? It would be best to look for certain qualities that assure you that you have invested in the right person. Let’s have a look at the qualities needed to be a good commercial electrician.
– Adaptable
One of the good qualities of a commercial electrician is that they are quite creative and develop on-the-spot solutions. For example, a builder does not know how the installation will happen, but they can explain how they want it installed. A good commercial electrician can understand what exactly the builder needs and have all the solutions for the builder’s questions regarding installation.
– Experience
How can an electrician understand what their client wants even if they only give you a vague idea? It is because of the experience they have. It is important to have basic electrical skills. However, it is with experience a good commercial electrician becomes an expert. When you search for a good commercial electrician, do give importance to creativity and experience.
– Effective Communication
Effective communication is the key to any business. Lack of communication can pave the way for unwanted expenses, low-quality work can lead to distrusts. An electrician should have a clear vision about the work they do and should be able to communicate with their clients in simple words to understand things clearly. If they talk to the clients in technical language, it will not leave a good impression.
– Professionalism
Professionalism is a major quality in any work. A good commercial electrician presents themselves professionally, showcases efficient work, and focuses on the task rather than getting distracted with what’s happening around them.
– Passion
If a commercial electrician shows passion and excitement towards his work, you should immediately hire that person. Only those people can come up with different ideas that can give you good results and help develop trust.
Huge electrical works are supposed to be a one-time investment. If you hire an electrician with less experience, you might incur more expenses in getting the work done. The best thing to do would be to identify a good commercial electrician and get the things done so that you can complete the work with quality and within your budget.
How Dangerous Are Mosquitoes? – Pest Control
How Dangerous Are Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes have always been a constant annoyance, be it at home or outdoor. You have probably been irritated by mosquitoes when it circles around you when you are golfing, camping or simply watching TV.
But do you know that some mosquitoes carry life-threatening diseases such as dengue, malaria, yellow fever, and encephalitis?
Here are some facts about mosquitoes that everyone should know.
* Most species of mosquitoes reproduce by laying their eggs in water. This means that ANY containment of water such as pots, or even overturned cans can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
* In warm weather, mosquitoes can produce a whole new generation in just 7 days, although two weeks is a more common time span.
* One of the most common diseases that some mosquitoes may carry is Malaria disease. Malaria is caused by a blood-borne parasite that infects and then destroys red blood cells. Once infected, victims may suffer from repeated episodes of fever, or anemia, and even death.
* Another deadly disease that some mosquitoes may carry is the infamous dengue. Dengue can cause fever, chills, and skeletal pain. This disease is commonly carried by the Aedes Mosquito and is a constant and dangerous threat to homeowners. Some of the symptoms of dengue include bleeding (from the nose, mouth, and gums), excessive thirst, and difficulty in breathing. A lot of these symptoms also mirror another deadly virus – the Ebola virus. Therefore, urgent and serious steps must be taken to prevent this from happening to your loved ones and yourself.
Mosquitoes are usually attracted to perspiration, warmth, body odor, carbon dioxide, and light. There are also several devices in the market that are supposed to attract, trap and destroy mosquitoes, along with other insects. However, the catch-22 situation is this – if these devices attract mosquitoes, then that particular area may have more mosquitoes and hence annoy the people in that area!
The best environment for mosquitoes to breed is in warm, hot, and humid conditions. Due to global warming, not only tropical countries are at risk, but so is the rest of the world. Conventional insect repellents in aerosol cans also contribute to the destruction of our precious ozone layer. Ironically, this may lead to an even better condition for mosquitoes to breed!
Protect your loved ones and yourself from mosquito bites without harmful chemicals or messy, oily mosquito repellent on your skin. Use a natural, safe, easy-to-use, and long-lasting mosquito repellent now!
What’s The Best Location For Your Water Heater
What’s The Best Location For Your Water Heater
The best location for a water heater. After a long day, every one of us would always want to have a hot shower. But not all of us are equipped with the right machine that can do the heating job in seconds. There are some who have the machine already but made the wrong purchase.
Water Heaters are now considered as one of the most operative machines every house could have. Who doesn’t need hot water? I bet no one because all of us do need it! As a matter of fact, 75% of US homes have a Water heater installed.
Water heating has been a practice by many families ever since, the only difference now is brought along by technology, making it easier for a lot of homeowners to enjoy the use of hot water for everyday use without taking much of their time.
Never could be denied that there is always an advantage and disadvantage to any product, but the good thing about a water heater is that solutions are always available for action. Just as how you worry about your water heater system bill, this might be a little surprising, but did you know that the placement of your water heaters can actually affect the amount of your usual bill? Yes! That is true and has already been proven by many.
I suppose you are already aware of the different Water Heater types. Actually, none of the different Water Heater kinds you have known are useless. All of them are proven to be effective and a real must-have! However, there are ones that excel the most when discussing savings. It’s always awesome to own a water heater but it’s even great if you are using a Tankless Water Heater if you want to cut down about 10-15% of your bill. However, using the traditional water heater is always recommended if your target of the budget is the water bill.
The Perfect Location
You might want to consider the distance of your water heater location. Just so you know, if your water heater is far from where you always need it the most, then that would start the problem. The reason behind this is that the water still needs to travel from the heating system to your faucets and showers at home and as for the usual it needs power to run, which is why the longer the water travels, the more power it uses. Compared to the other scenario, especially if you are using the tankless one (which heats water on the actual use and doesn’t store on a tank) the need for power or electricity is lesser if it is placed to the nearest location of your house.
Make sure that it is installed in a properly ventilated space, not too cold, and not too hot. It should be in a place where it is safe and secure, preferable with a roof. Keep it out of reach of children and if possible in a closed area where no one can easily get in.
The owner carries out the responsibility of keeping your water heater clean and well-maintained. The maintenance of the heater doesn’t take much time, as a matter of fact, it only requires to be flushed twice a year. You can do it yourself or pay for a maintenance service.
Surge Protectors: It’s better to be Prepared – Good Electricians
Surge Protectors: It’s better to be Prepared
Do you know that the lifespan of your electronics and home appliances can be shortened due to a power surge? This could cost you a lot of money since they don’t come cheap. This is exactly the reason you should get our company to protect all these valuable items. In most cases, people believe that a few power strips would serve to be more than enough to protect the entire house from a power surge. However, this is not necessarily true as they aren’t able to provide much protection against them.
What causes a power surge?
Now, you must be wondering about the reason behind power surges. It can be due to lightning or as a result of the problems related to the utility equipment used, large appliances that have an on and off cycling power, power lines that are down as well as faulty wiring. These are a few reasons that result in power surges.
What are the risks involved?
Coming to the risks involved, most electronic items or appliances have a microprocessor. When a surge takes place these microprocessors would be at risk. This means that items such as the computers, televisions, washers, ovens, refrigerators, telephones, microwaves, dryers and alarm systems use this. All it would take to protect these items all at one time would be to install a house surge protector. If a surge does take place, you won’t have to lose a lot of money, just because you were ill-equipped.
Can a single home surge protector safeguard an entire house?
In case you don’t have a home surge protector already, it would be a wise decision to install one. The next time there is an electrical surge at home, you will be in a position to tackle it without any hassle. When you get a complete surge protector for your home you will be able to protect the power lines, cables, and telephones, all at once.
What are the benefits that you stand to receive when you install a whole house surge protector?
The first benefit that you will stand to gain when you install this is the fact that you can save both time and money. This is because you will no longer have to call in an electrician to replace damaged microprocessors every time a surge occurs. So, you can sit back and relax and need not worry about what would happen to your electronic goods and appliances.
The next advantage that you will receive is the fact that you would now be at an advantage if you put your house up for sale. This is because prospective homeowners would be interested to invest in a home that is energy efficient as well as resistant to power surges. In this way, the market value of the home would shoot up. This in itself is a home protection system that can serve to be a huge cost saver as well.
In case, you don’t have surge protectors installed, call our company right away to get one!
This Blog was posted for you By Good Electric in San Antonio