Press Releases Archive - Page 12 of 29 - A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

Warning Signs That Heater Repair Is Needed All Homeowners Should Know

Does Your Heating System Need Service?

Homeowners often take their heating systems for granted until they fail to work when it’s cold outside. A professional should fix a malfunctioning heater as soon as possible to prevent additional issues from occurring. This blog post will share some common signs that heater repair may be needed.

A Spike in Utility Bills

When a homeowner receives a utility bill that is higher than normal, it often indicates a problem with the efficiency of the heating system. A loss of efficiency can occur for several reasons, including a broken or faulty component of the heating system, maintenance being skipped, or the heater being old and inefficient.

So, suppose homeowners notice their system works inefficiently due to a spike in heating costs. They should have a professional inspect the system, determine the cause, and make the necessary fix, whether that is heating maintenance, repair, or system replacement. Once they finish, the system should work more efficiently, which is reflected in lower utility bills.

Abnormal Sounds and Smells

If a homeowner hears strange sounds such as a rattling, squeaking, banging, or grinding sound in their heating system, a professional should be called to check the heater for issues. The heater should be relatively quiet when running, so if there are any noticeably different sounds, it’s a sign of problems.

Unusual smells such as a burning smell or the smell of smoke should not be ignored since they are another sign heater repair is needed. These burning smells could indicate serious issues like overheating or a cracked heat exchanger that could be dangerous if not repaired.

A Cold Home or Uneven Heating

Sometimes, homeowners may notice that their homes aren’t getting as warm as they should be or that the heat is uneven, creating some cold spots. Any time there are problems with the heating, whether it’s a complete loss of heat or that the home's temperature doesn’t reach the temperature on the thermostat, it’s a sign to call for service.

Several issues could cause insufficient heating, so a contractor can inspect the heating system to find the underlying cause of the problem. Once they have found the cause, they can determine the best solution to restore proper heating and comfort to the home, whether that be heating repair or replacement.

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions is a family-owned and operated company serving Austin, TX, and the surrounding areas since 1977. They provide flat rate pricing, financing, and fast friendly service. Call them today for heater repair services in Austin, TX.

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Start the New Year Right by Remodeling

Make 2024 the Year You Get Your Dream Home

The beginning of a new year can be overwhelming with the amount of plans and resolutions people are making. During planning sessions in the new year, homeowners should consider their home goals for the year so that they can start planning and improve their most important investment.

With every passing year, homes slowly become outdated. However, homeowners can transform their outdated homes into their dream homes by remodeling. Here are some home renovation ideas so homeowners can plan a successful home remodel in 2024.

General Home Remodeling Ideas

When it comes time to brainstorm new ideas to transform a home, there are many places to start. Even more minor upgrades can make a massive difference in the look and feel of a home. Some ideas to help transform a home include:

Painting the walls
Installing new flooring
Choosing new windows
Adding outdoor spaces like decks and patios
Building a new addition

For homeowners who want to dramatically increase the value of their homes, building an addition may be the way to go. While these projects can be expensive and take a while to complete, they significantly increase the home's resale value so homeowners can recoup their investment.

Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

The kitchen is one of the most-used rooms in the home and is often one of the first things people think of when picturing their dream home. Not only does it have to be functional, but it is also an opportunity to showcase the homeowner's style. Kitchen renovations are one of the best places a homeowner can spend money on home improvement to improve the home’s value.

Converting to an open-concept kitchen will modernize the space and make it a more social area when used. There are many kitchen layouts to consider. Upgrading cabinets, countertops, and backsplashes can also significantly improve the look and functionality of the kitchen, and there are plenty of options and combinations to customize the kitchen to a homeowner’s style.

Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

The bathroom is also a heavily used room in the home that can also be remodeled to fit the style of the home. Luckily, there are many opportunities to make the space stylish and functional. When considering a bathroom remodel, consider things like:

Redesigning the layout
Adding a new vanity and countertop
Installing stylish new fixtures and faucets
Replacing the flooring or tiles
Adding new lighting

Whether implementing a few changes or massive overhauls, every homeowner can create the house of their dreams. Consult a professional and begin planning for the perfect home renovation in 2024.

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions is a family-owned and operated company serving Austin, TX, and the surrounding areas since 1977. They offer flat rate pricing and financing and technicians that are always friendly, helpful, and professional. Call them today for home remodeling services in Austin, TX.

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Ductless Mini Splits Are a Great Choice for Heating and Cooling

Benefits of Installing Ductless Mini Splits

A home's heating and cooling system is typically the biggest energy hog. Luckily, this can create significant savings when eco-friendly upgrades are made. If it’s time to upgrade the heating and cooling system this year, consider ductless mini splits. Here are some of the most significant benefits of switching to a ductless mini-split system.

Keep Energy Bills Low

Installing a ductless mini-split system can lead to lower energy bills due to their energy efficiency. Unlike traditional central heating and cooling systems that lose energy in the ductwork, mini-split systems operate without any ducts, eliminating this common source of energy waste.

They also avoid additional inefficiency by delivering conditioned air directly to different zones within a property. Temperatures in each zone can also be controlled separately to save energy in unused areas. This targeted approach promotes energy conservation and can result in more cost savings over the long term.

Installation Is Easy and Quick

Ductless mini splits do away with the need for ductwork, which also makes them quicker and easier to install. When ductwork needs to be installed for central forced air systems, it takes a lot of planning and installation to ensure that air can be distributed evenly throughout all the rooms in a home.

However, ductless mini-split systems don’t need ducts and instead have individual indoor units that heat and cool rooms or zones in the home. This makes them easier for professionals to install and an excellent option for homes or additions that don’t have room for ductwork. A ductless mini-split can be installed quicker with a few holes cut and pipes and wires passing through walls.

Flexible Temperature Zoning

Another benefit of mini-split systems is their ability to heat and cool zones of the home separately. A concept called zoning allows inhabitants to heat or cool each zone to their exact preferences. This increases comfort and allows for potential energy savings by allowing people to reduce energy use in areas where no one is present.

Wouldn’t it be great if the family didn’t have to fight over the thermostat? With ductless heating and cooling systems, people can control the temperature of their own space. When it’s time for an HVAC system replacement, homeowners should consider if one of these systems would be a good fit for their home.

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions is a family-owned and operated company serving Austin, TX, and the surrounding areas. They offer fast and friendly service, flat rate pricing, and financing. Call them today for ductless mini split installation or repair in Austin, TX.

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Affordable Ways to Make Outdoor Spaces More Enjoyable in the Winter

How to Enjoy Outdoor Spaces This Winter

Sprucing up the outside of the home is something that every homeowner does or wants to do. Inside, there are only so many square feet to utilize. During the summer, people want to be outside, so they spend money creating outdoor spaces to spend time in or entertain guests.

While this can be an excellent investment in the value of the home and for the family's enjoyment, doesn’t it seem silly to spend a lot of money on a space that can’t be used for a decent portion of the year?

After spending money on an outdoor space, the best thing that owners can do is make it more winter-friendly. With the right changes to a patio, the space can be enjoyed all summer long and well into winter. Here are some latest trends to help families avoid cabin fever this winter.

Add a Roof to the Deck or Patio

Most outdoor spaces revolve around a deck or patio. Decks and patios can be great summer entertainment spaces, so people have somewhere to sit and fire up the grill. During the winter, the patio or deck probably seems too exposed for much enjoyment.

Adding a roof to the outdoor space is an easy way to extend the seasonal utility of a patio or deck. A roof will not only allow the deck or patio to be used during the cooler season but also pay dividends in comfort and enjoyment all year long.

With a roof over the outdoor space, the sun will be less of an issue, and plans can proceed even if the forecast calls for a bit of rain. Before planning any outdoor addition, always consider the benefits of adding a roof!

Warm Up With a Fire Pit or Outdoor Heater

Cool temperatures and the potential for crummy weather during the winter usually put a damper on outdoor enjoyment. Luckily, mankind discovered a great way to keep warm when winter howls. It's called a fire, and it can be enjoyed in modern outdoor spaces!

To extend the usable season for a deck or patio, a fireplace or fire pit is the way to go. Adding one of these will provide the perfect amount of heat and ambiance to allow people to enjoy the space well into the fall. If the space is already roofed and smoke is a concern, consider adding an electric or propane outdoor heater.

Add Exterior Lighting

While the colder temperatures are a big bummer for outdoor fun during the cooler season, there is another problem: daylight.

The colder the weather becomes, the earlier the sun goes down, leaving outdoor spaces dimly lit in the late afternoon. Luckily, there is an easy way to overcome this problem, and the solution can help all year long.

Exterior lighting is a must-have for any outdoor space in any season. Being able to turn on lights to light up the grill is necessary, as well as being able to set the mood with the perfect ambiance at other times.

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions has served the area for over 40 years. Their handymen handle deck and patio installation and can help every homeowner design the perfect outdoor space. Call today for friendly and professional handyman services in Austin, TX.

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When Is the Best Time to Schedule Furnace Replacement?

Is Now the Best Time to Upgrade the Furnace?

The holidays are here, and one of the classic images of the season is the hearth with a roaring fire. While this conjures up feelings of nostalgia and comfort, the scene is out of date. In the modern home, the furnace provides heat formerly supplied by the fireplace.

As the winter months approach, ensuring that the furnace is in good working condition is essential to provide adequate heating for the home or business. However, there are times when it may be more cost-effective and efficient to replace the furnace rather than continue to repair it. Some signs may indicate it is time to replace the furnace this winter.

Frequent Repairs or Old Age

A furnace typically has a lifespan of 15-20 years, depending on the type and quality of the unit. If the furnace is well-maintained, it will last nearly 20 years. If not, 15 years may be all it can take. When a furnace gets to this mark, it is best to start planning. This year may not be necessary, but replacing it sooner rather than later will be optimal.

If the furnace is nearing the end of its lifespan or has needed frequent repairs, consider replacing it. Continuously repairing an aging furnace can become costly and is not the most efficient solution. A new furnace will improve performance, increase energy efficiency, and reduce maintenance costs.

Skyrocketing Energy Bills

Owners should always be tracking their energy bills. If they notice a significant increase in energy bills, it may be due to a loss of efficiency in the furnace.

Over time, a furnace can become less efficient due to wear and tear, causing it to consume more energy to produce the same amount of heat. This can lead to higher energy bills and decreased comfort in a home or building.

Replacing the furnace with a new, high-efficiency model can help reduce energy costs and provide better heating performance.

The Space Is Muggy or Chilly

If a home or building is uncomfortable due to humidity problems, uneven heating, or a lack of heating, it may be a sign that the furnace can no longer provide adequate heat.

In such cases, replacing the furnace with a new one designed to provide consistent and efficient heating can help resolve these issues and create a more comfortable environment. This will not only reestablish a higher level of comfort but also tamp down humidity levels.

Replacing a furnace can be a significant investment, but it can also provide long-term benefits, including improved performance, increased energy efficiency, and reduced maintenance costs.

If a furnace is nearing the end of its lifespan, has needed frequent repairs, or is causing discomfort due to lost efficiency or uneven heating, consider replacing it this winter. Consulting with a professional HVAC technician can help determine the best course of action and ensure that every home or building is comfortable and energy-efficient.

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions specializes in energy-efficient home heating solutions. They have nearly 50 years of experience helping owners install money-saving comfort systems. Call today for furnace installation in Austin, TX.