Company: A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

Don't Delay! Get a Head Start on Fall Heater Maintenance

Prepare the Heater With Professional Maintenance 

Summer is almost over, and that means cooling bills will be dropping. Homeowners look forward to these few months of reprieve before heating bills start rising. What is the best way to ensure that heating bills stay reasonable? Fall heater maintenance. 

Heater maintenance is a great investment for families looking to keep the budget in check this year. Heater maintenance saves money and gives homeowners the confidence that their heater is ready for winter. Here are a few tips from local experts to encourage homeowners to schedule fall heater maintenance. 

Perks of Heater Maintenance

heaterHeater maintenance is critical for homeowners looking to get better performance from their heaters. Performance can be broken down into three categories: 

  • Efficiency: Better efficiency means lower heating bills. Heater maintenance ensures that heaters run at peak efficiency, so savings don’t compromise comfort. 
  • Reliability: Heaters that are regularly maintained are more reliable, meaning they have fewer problems. They will also last longer, meaning homeowners will have to replace their furnaces less often. 
  • Cost: Cost not only covers the money saved with increased efficiency. It also covers the savings of not having to pay unnecessary repair bills when things go wrong. Heater maintenance is a service that pays for itself over the heating season, so deciding to schedule it is a no-brainer. 

What’s Covered in Heater Maintenance?

filterHeater maintenance is a comprehensive program that covers every aspect of the heater. Some of the things an HVAC maintenance professional will cover during a heater maintenance visit are: 

  • Clean and inspect the burner to ensure good operation
  • Inspect and clean the blower for efficient air movement 
  • Check electrical connections
  • Inspect visible ductwork
  • Verify the operation of the thermostat
  • Lubricate moving parts
  • Clean air filters and coils

Once heater maintenance is done, homeowners can expect their heater to last through the winter with no problems and reasonable energy bills. 

Is It Too Early? 

Nope. It’s not too early unless you have a heat pump system. This time of year is perfect for heater maintenance. HVAC maintenance should take place twice per year. Once in the spring and once in the fall. Spring maintenance prepares the AC for the upcoming summer and tunes up the heater, while fall maintenance ensures the AC can finish out the season and prepares the heater for the winter. Having a professional do fall maintenance on the heater is the best investment a homeowner can make in ensuring their heater will be problem-free all winter.  If your unit is a heat pump system, we cannot perform maintenance until the temperatures cool down into the 60s.

Why is the end of summer/pre-fall the best time? Heater maintenance technicians reach a lull at the end of the summer. Most of the problems that keep them busy during the summer have already been taken care of, and no problems have manifested in heaters yet, so they have plenty of time. This time allows them to thoroughly care for heaters scheduled for maintenance and take care of any potential problems. Getting ahead of the rush ensures that heaters are maintained and given a clean bill of health before the weather changes. 

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions has been in the business of energy conservation since the 1970s. They provide flat-rate pricing, financing, and fast, friendly service. Call them today for an award-winning heater maintenance and repair service in Austin, TX.

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Accessibility Solutions to Think About for National Assisted Living Week

Make Your Home Accessible for Grandparent’s Day

This year, the 11th of September marks Grandparent’s Day. Every year, Grandparent’s Day is celebrated as the beginning of National Assisted Living Week to celebrate and bring awareness to those living in assisted living due to their limitations in old age. As people age, homes become less accessible to live in and more of a liability. To get around this, many people choose to live in assisted living facilities to overcome their limitations. For those who don’t wish to leave home, many options can make homes more accessible for the elderly.

This year, take a moment to think about the accessibility of the homes of the elderly. Given the option, most older people would choose to stay in their homes if they could. Here are a few ideas to make homes more accessible for the elderly.

Bathroom Accessibility Upgrades

shower seatBathrooms are the room in the home that is most responsible for household accidents. Every year, thousands of injuries in bathrooms occur, even among the able-bodied. How much worse could it be for someone with hampered mobility?

A great place to start when thinking about bathroom accessibility upgrades is the shower or bathtub. Among the elderly, getting in and out of a tub or slipping on the wet tile while stepping out of the shower are two of the greatest hazards. Some simple ways to overcome this are:

Another common hazard in the bathroom is a lack of reinforced railings for balance and maneuvering. Installing a railing around toilets and bathtubs allows those with limited mobility to more easily and confidently move around the space.

Stair Accessibility Solutions

For too many seniors, a multi-story home impedes their way of life once they can no longer confidently live alone. Often they will try to maintain independence in the house where they raised a family despite running the risks of going up and down stairs. Luckily there are ways to accommodate multi-story homes so seniors can continue living independent lives at home.

Stair elevators (or stair lifts) and ramps are the best solutions to overcome mobility issues and risks like stairs. Both make traveling around the home easier and safer. Stair elevators are automatic, powered devices that safely transport seniors upstairs, while ramps are used for small elevation changes like porch steps.

Door Accessibility Solutions

lever door knobThe older people get, the more likely they will have mobility issues. This can often mean being confined to a wheelchair or walker. A problem with wheelchairs and walkers is that doorways can impede them. The first way that doorways restrict those with limited mobility is the door knobs. When seniors use mobility assistance, their hands are always used for balance. This can make gripping a door handle and pulling the door a difficult action. Lever door knobs are a better choice because they can be more easily gripped.

A second way that doors inhibit accessibility is the width. Luckily, widening doorways is simple and can even add value to the home. In almost every case, doorways can be widened to 36 inches, which is the ADA standard for disability access for doorways.

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions is a local staple for home accessibility solutions for those with limited mobility. They offer flat-rate pricing and financing. Call them today for trusted aging-in-place services in Austin, TX.

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Home Remodeling 101: Learn the Basics

Modern kitchen with blue cabinetry and wooden countertops, highlighting A-Plus home remodeling services.

All About Home Remodeling

This back-to-school season, homeowners can brush up their knowledge on home remodeling with this quick guide to the basics of home renovations. Home renovation contractors include carpenters, plumbers, HVAC technicians, electricians, and more. There are lots of different kinds of home remodeling projects for homeowners to consider.

Adding new additions to the home, upgrading appliances, or removing a wall for an open concept are just a few examples of home remodeling trends. Home remodeling can improve the function or the appearance of the home. Another reason to invest in a home remodeling project is that it can increase the home value.

Home Remodeling ProjectsWorker installing a new window in a home, showcasing home remodeling and renovation efforts to enhance functionality and aesthetics.

  • Lighting
  • Flooring
  • Home Layout
  • Porch or sunroom
  • New appliances
  • Painting
  • Windows or doors
  • Stairs
  • Accessibility

A few of the most common home remodeling projects include updating flooring, installing new windows, or painting the walls a new color. Remodeling projects are more than just a makeover; they can make the home safer, healthier, or more efficient. Adding a ramp or safety bars can make a home more accessible for the elderly or disabled.

Home remodeling projects fall into two categories, upgrades, and new additions. Popular new additions include adding another bathroom, bedroom, porch, or sunroom. Contractors may also need to alter the layout of a room to make space for new appliances. Remodeling upgrades would be projects like refinishing the cabinets in the kitchen or replacing tiles in the bathroom.

Kitchen Remodel Ideas

Kitchen remodeling is one of the best ways to increase the home value and improve functionality. People who spend a lot of time in the kitchen cooking should consider investing in kitchen upgrades to make the space more comfortable and efficient.

Some homeowners prefer the look and feel of an open-concept kitchen. An open concept kitchen is a kitchen that does not have a wall between the cooking/eating area and the living room of the home. Knocking down the wall in between the kitchen and the living room can make the space feel larger.

Upgrading the countertops is a great way to make a kitchen more beautiful and functional. One of the things that affect the look of the kitchen the most is the cabinets, so painting or refinishing the cabinets can make a big difference.

Bathroom Remodel IdeasCouple installing a countertop in a bathroom renovation, showcasing home improvement and remodeling efforts.

  • Add new lighting
  • Install new tile
  • Upgrade plumbing fixtures
  • New bath or shower
  • Paint the walls
  • Reconfigure room layout
  • Install new flooring

Adding a new guest bathroom or remodeling an existing bathroom is another great home upgrade for homeowners to improve their home’s value, comfort, and functionality. Bathroom remodeling can be difficult and time-consuming because of the complexity of plumbing systems. Experienced professional remodeling contractors can get bathroom remodeling jobs done quickly and safely.

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions is a trusted home service company from Austin, Texas that has been in business for over 45 years. This local company is proud to provide its community with comprehensive home services from expert technicians. Homeowners can depend on A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions for all of their home maintenance and remodeling needs. Call them today to schedule a consultation for home remodeling services in Austin, TX!

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Central AC or Ductless Cooling?

Modern living room with sofa, framed art, and air conditioning unit outside a house by A-Plus Home Solutions.

Is Central AC or Ductless Cooling Better?

Central air conditioning and ductless mini-split systems are the two most popular types of air conditioning systems for modern homes. In this blog post, we go over the differences between the two as well as the benefits of each. Whether central air conditioning or a ductless AC unit is better depends on the house.

Most homes use ductwork to distribute air from the HVAC unit throughout the rooms of the house. This is called central air conditioning. This is the most popular type of HVAC system, but it does not work for every household. Ductless mini-splits enable homeowners to heat and cool spaces where installing ductwork is not an option or where you need a stand-alone unit and don’t want it to tie into your central unit.

Central Air Conditioning Systems

Central air conditioning unit on a concrete pad surrounded by green grass and brick wall, representing efficient HVAC solutions for modern homes.Central air conditioning units are the most popular type for a reason. They offer efficient heating and cooling for modern homes. Compared to window AC units, central air conditioning systems provide better temperature control and more even air distribution.

Because the HVAC unit is located outside the home, central air conditioning systems are much quieter than traditional wall and window air conditioners. With central AC, homeowners can enjoy a temperature-controlled environment without all the noise.

Most of the central air conditioning system is hidden from view, which gives central air conditioning an aesthetic benefit over ductless air systems. Central air conditioning is quiet, efficient, and hides the ugliest hardware from sight. Another benefit of central air conditioning is that it filters the air as it ventilates through the system for cleaner indoor air quality.

Ductless Mini-Split Systems

Ductless mini-split air conditioning unit mounted on wall, showcasing efficient heating and cooling solution for modern homes.Installing ductwork is not always an option for some homes, but ductless air conditioners provide a good alternative. Ductless mini-split systems are small, wall-mounted air conditioning and heating units, usually heat pumps.

Ductless AC units are a more flexible installation option than central air because of their smaller size. Ductless mini-split systems are a type of zone heating and cooling, where each room or space is temperature controlled by a separate unit. This can often offer even more efficient performance than central air. Around 15% of temperature is lost from the air in its journey through the ductwork, which is why ductless air conditioning provides more efficient temperature control than central air.

Other AC Options

Central AC and ductless air conditioners are the two most popular for modern residential properties, but there are a few other options. Air conditioning window units are a traditional choice of an air conditioner. The biggest benefits of window air conditioning units are that they are inexpensive and easy to install. The downside is that they do not offer the most efficient performance and usually make a lot of noise.

Portable air conditioners are a great alternative for cooling a space if central or mini-split systems will not work. A portable AC unit is easy to install for supplemental temperature control or as the main source of temperature control. Portable AC units are mobile, meaning they can be easily moved around. They make a great option for adding to an office or a bedroom.

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions is dedicated to providing the best possible home services to their community in Austin, TX. They are a family-owned local home services company. Homeowners can depend on the experts at A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions for top-of-the-line service from friendly, experienced technicians. Call them today to schedule an appointment for air conditioning installation in Austin, Texas!

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AC Refrigerant FAQs

Refrigerant cylinder labeled "Refrigerant 134a" showing safety information, representing A-Plus Air Conditioning services.

What Are Refrigerants?

The science behind what makes an air conditioner work is fascinating. Think about a can of compressed air used to clean electronic equipment commonly found in homes or around the office. Ever notice how the can gets cold as the pressure is released? This is because the liquid inside is dropping in pressure and turning into gas, causing a corresponding drop in temperature.

The same thing happens inside the coils of an air conditioner. In an evaporator coil structure, refrigerants are allowed to turn to gas. As the refrigerant turns to gas or boils, it turns cold and absorbs heat from the air blown across it. This is how an air conditioner removes heat from inside a home.

Different compounds exhibit different behaviors at various temperatures and pressures. As a result of this scientific principle, compounds with the right characteristics to be used in air conditioners are known as refrigerants because they efficiently transfer heat inside the AC.

Which Refrigerant is Best to Use?

Different types of refrigerant canisters, including R22, R32, and R410A, highlighting their varying colors and labels, relevant to air conditioning systems and environmental impact discussions.Many chemicals have been used as refrigerants over the years. Unfortunately, it wasn’t discovered until the 1990s that many of these compounds have huge environmental ramifications. For example, R-22, or Freon, was the most popular refrigerant until it was phased out in 2010 for causing damage to the ozone layer.

Since refrigerants are dangerous chemicals, how can homeowners know which one to use? Don’t worry. First, the right refrigerant is written on the nameplate of the AC unit. Secondly, it isn’t up to the homeowners to need to know what refrigerant to use. Refrigerants are highly regulated chemicals that can only be purchased and handled by licensed professionals. As a licensed professional, an AC technician will know the right type of refrigerant to use and understand that using the wrong one can ruin an air conditioner.

What Causes Refrigerant Leaks in Air Conditioners?

Copper evaporator coil with visible corrosion, highlighting potential refrigerant leak sources in air conditioning systems, relevant to HVAC maintenance and repair discussions.Image of A-Plus Air Conditioning technician inspecting a home HVAC system for maintenance and quality service.While wear and tear are common in any appliance, they are not the biggest cause of refrigerant leaks in air conditioners. For years, engineers tried to understand why reliable air conditioners would suddenly spring leaks after seven to ten years in service. It didn’t happen in laboratory settings, only in homes. Finally, the mystery was solved.

The most common place for refrigerant leaks is in the copper joints in an evaporator coil. Copper is a resilient material, but acids can damage it. But where are acids coming from in interior air? The answer is formaldehyde. Formaldehyde comes from cooking, beauty products, and construction materials. When it condenses on copper, it forms formic acid that can cause refrigerant leaks.

What Are the Signs That It’s Time to Call an Expert?

Refrigerants must be kept at the right pressure for the air conditioner to operate properly. When that isn’t maintained, it can cause problems like:

  • Frozen coils
  • Insufficient cooling power (blown warm)
  • Water leaks around the AC unit
  • Gurgling noises

When these signs are present, a professional must assess the air conditioner. They will need to locate the source of the leak and repair it before refilling it with refrigerant. Homeowners should have routine AC maintenance performed to prevent AC refrigerant leaks.

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions is a family-owned and operated company with over 45 years of experience serving the residents of Austin, TX, and the surrounding areas. They provide flat-rate pricing and financing. Call them today for air conditioning services in Austin, TX.

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