As the weather gets colder, now is the time to start thinking about winterizing your home—and that includes your heating system. By taking a few simple steps to winterize your furnace or boiler, you can help keep your family warm all season long while also saving money on your energy bills. Plus, a little bit of preventative maintenance now can help you avoid costly repairs down the road. Here are four easy steps to winterize your heating system.

1. Schedule a tune-up with a professional.

Just like your car, your furnace or boiler needs regular maintenance to run efficiently. scheduling a tune-up with a professional before the weather gets too cold is a great way to make sure everything is in working order and catch any potential problems early on. Most HVAC companies offer fall furnace tune-ups for a reasonable price, so this is an easy way to get started with winterizing your system.

2. Change your air filter.

Your furnace or boiler has an air filter that helps remove dirt, dust, and other airborne particles from the air before it’s circulated throughout your home. Over time, these filters can become clogged, which can reduce the efficiency of your heating system and cause it to work harder than it needs to. Checking and changing your air filter at least once every three months is key to keeping your system running efficiently—and it’s something you can do yourself without having to call in a professional.

3. Inspect your vents and ducts.

Another easy task you can do to winterize your heating system is to inspect all the vents and ducts in your home and make sure they are clear of any debris or obstructions. All it takes is a quick visual inspection; if you see anything blocking the vents or ducts, simply remove it so that air can flow freely through them. This will help improve the efficiency of your heating system and ensure that every room in your home stays nice and cozy all winter long.

4. Invest in a programmable thermostat.

Programmable thermostats are a great way to both save money on energy bills and keep your home comfortable year-round—and they’re relatively inexpensive, too! By investing in one of these devices, you can set specific temperatures for different times of day and have complete control over when your furnace or boiler turns on and off. Many newer models even allow you to control the temperature remotely using your smartphone or tablet, so you can adjust it no matter where you are.

Schedule your tune-up with Elmer’s.

Now that you know how to winterize your heating system, it’s time to schedule a tune-up with Elmer’s Home Services. Our technicians are highly trained and will make sure your system is running efficiently. We’ll also check for any potential problems so you can avoid costly repairs down the road. Schedule your appointment today and rest easy knowing your heating system is ready for winter.

It is hard to think of a product that provides more value for people than quality heating and air conditioning. Statistics show that the United States has an industry for heating and air conditioning contractors that generates above $120 billion every year! There are more than 590,000 people in the United States working in the heating and air conditioning contractor industry. Of course, finding a great “HVAC service near me” can be especially important when the winter months are approaching. There are a number of things that people can do to prepare their heating systems for the winter. Failing to take these steps can mean paying a price in efficiency and the health of your system. With the right preparations, your heating system will be as efficient as it can be during the upcoming winter months. That can lower your energy bills. On top of that, doing your yearly preparations for the winter will help your system last longer. So what do you need to do to make sure that your heating system is ready for winter? Read on to learn all about the most important steps to take to get your heating system ready to manage colder months!

Prioritize the Health of Your HVAC System

This may be the best time in our lifetimes to learn about taking care of the health of our heating and air conditioning systems. In recent months, inflation has led to higher energy bills. However, those bills have gone even higher due to the effects of international unrest. Events around the world are decreasing access to traditional sources of energy. Together, these effects mean that an inefficient heating system can cost you a lot more money than it would have cost you in the past.

Check for Any Possible Heating Issues

Depending on your situation, it may have been some time since you tested the heating abilities of your HVAC system. Many people wait until it gets cold enough for their system to automatically switch over to heating. However, it is at that point that they often discover that they have maintenance issues with their heating system. Of course, finding this out as the months get colder is terrible timing. For that reason, you may want to prioritize testing your heating system as soon as you can. It is better if you can discover any problems it might have before it gets too cold. That way, you can make any necessary repairs before you have to deal with a cold house. To do this, you can set your thermostat to a higher temperature. The higher you set the thermostat, the greater the chance it will turn on your heating system. However, if your system never turns on no matter how high you set the thermostat, you may have a problem. You can check to make sure that your system has access to power. If you know a little bit more about your system, you may also be able to check the heat pump or the furnace fan for any obvious problems. However, in most cases, if your system doesn’t turn on, you will need to call up professional contractors to help you get your system ready for the upcoming winter.

Change the Air Filters in Your System

Your heating system processes incredible quantities of air to control the temperature of your home. At the same time, it doubles as a type of air filter. If it didn’t do so, then the contaminants from the air outside would be channeled into your home through the heating system. Fortunately, your system will have filters in place to catch these contaminants and keep them out of your airspace. At the same time, the more contaminants these air filters catch, the harder it is for air to flow through them. Many people ignore this problem without realizing the consequences of doing so. The harder it is for your system to pass air through it, the more energy it will consume to keep your home warm. That is even more expensive considering recent increases in energy costs for many people. Changing your air filters will also help you enjoy superior air quality in your home. Old air filters struggle to continue to filter out dust and other contaminants from the air. You can call a contractor to do general maintenance on your HVAC system. They can install a new air filter while they are doing so. On the other hand, you may be able to handle the process yourself. If you are not already calling a professional for help, then it might be worth your while to figure out how to change your air filter on your own. The process is often as simple as opening up your system, pulling out the air filter, and pushing in the new one.

Cover the Condenser to Avoid Emergency AC Repair

When you are getting your system ready for winter, it is important to also make sure your air conditioning doesn’t take damage during the colder months. Heat pump systems do not require you to cover the AC condenser. However, other kinds of HVAC systems will have an AC condenser that you may want to cover. This way, falling icicles and other potential damage will not affect your air conditioning system.

Consider Cleaning Your Heat Exchanger

In the ideal case, you will make sure your heat exchanger is clean at least once every year. If you can’t do that yourself, you can find a contractor to do it for you as part of system maintenance. However, you should make sure to clean the heat exchanger one way or another. Otherwise, it could cause a leak of carbon monoxide into the house.

Consider Investing in a Smart Thermostat

This may be the right time to invest in a smart thermostat. Of course, more and more people have smart thermostats and end up not choosing to use them. Although these systems can be confusing at first, a single hour of getting to know them can pay off for the rest of your life! With the right programming, you can set your thermostat to keep your home comfortable without using up more energy than is necessary. Many people are lowering the temperature of their entire homes to try to cut costs on energy. However, you may be able to keep the important rooms in your home warm while still lowering your energy bills. Smart thermostats allow you to tell your heating system when to warm up which rooms in the home. In many homes, there are rooms that people do not use during certain times of the day or night. Figure out which rooms people tends not to use in your home, and set your thermostat not to heat those rooms during the hours that people are absent. This will also decrease the strain on your heating system. That will help it last longer and experience less wear and tear.

Look For Other Ways to Increase HVAC Efficiency

While you are prepping your heating system, you can also look at the insulation of your home. The better your home insulation, the easier it will be for your heating system to maintain the desired temperature. Just as with using a smart thermostat, that will decrease the burden on your heating system. When your system has to run every hour of the day, it wears out faster than when it can take occasional breaks. Improving your home insulation will also decrease your energy bills and help you avoid drafts in the home.

Invest in Quality HVAC Maintenance

Most people do not know how to take care of the various HVAC system maintenance tasks that allow for maximum efficiency and system health. If you haven’t done so recently, there is a good chance you would benefit from hiring a professional service to restore your heating system to excellent condition.

How to Find the Best HVAC Installation Service

If you are looking for an HVAC service, consider looking at online ratings and reviews. These can help you to find whichever HVAC professionals are the best choice for your specific situation.

Find the Right HVAC Service Near Me This Winter

The more that you know about how to prepare your heater for the winter, the more efficient it will be and the longer it will last. Not everybody takes the time to learn about these essential preparations, but doing so is an investment that pays for itself. Of course, that may mean that you need to find a great “HVAC service near me” to help you with maintenance and preparation. To learn more about how to make sure that your heating system is ready for the upcoming winter months, reach out and get in touch with us here at any time!

When the weather outside starts to turn cold, the first thing most of us do is crank up the heat. But have you ever stopped to think about which type of heater is right for your home? T here are three main types of heaters—gas furnaces, heat pumps, and electric heaters—and each has its own set of pros and cons. In this blog post, we’ll help you decide which type of heater is right for your home.

Gas Furnaces

Gas furnaces are the most common type of heater in the United States, and for good reason. They’re relatively inexpensive to install and operate, and they’re very reliable. Gas furnaces work by burning natural gas (or propane) to create heat, which is then circulated through your home by a blower fan. One downside of gas furnaces is that they require regular maintenance, such as annual tune-ups, to keep them running efficiently.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are like air conditioners in that they use electricity to move heat from one place to another. In the winter, a heat pump extracts heat from the air outside and circulates it inside your home. Heat pumps are very efficient and can save you money on your energy bills, but they’re more expensive to install than gas furnaces or electric heaters.

Electric Heaters

Electric heaters are the simplest type of heater—they convert electricity into heat, and that’s it. Electric heaters come in a variety of forms, including baseboard heaters, radiant floor heating, and space heaters. Electric heaters are relatively inexpensive to install and operate, but they’re not as efficient as gas furnaces or heat pumps. So, which type of heater is right for your home? The answer depends on a number of factors, including your climate, your budget, and your home’s existing heating system. If you live in a cold climate and you’re looking for an efficient way to keep your home warm all winter long, a gas furnace is probably your best bet. If you live in a moderate climate and you’re looking for an energy-efficient heating option, a heat pump might be the right choice for you. And if you’re looking for a simple, inexpensive way to add some supplemental heating to your home, an electric heater might be just what you need.

Call Elmer’s for Heater Installation

With so many types of heaters on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for your home. Elmer’s Home Services in San Antonio can help you choose the perfect heater for your needs and install it quickly and efficiently. Give us a call today to learn more about our services!

Are you trying to avoid a costly repair bill this winter? Keep your heater running smoothly all season long with these four simple maintenance tips. By following these simple steps, you can help prolong the life of your heating system and keep it running efficiently all winter long. So don’t wait – read on for some helpful tips on how to take care of your heater!

1. Change your air filter every month

A heater is a necessity during winter, but it’s important to keep up with heater maintenance to avoid problems. One key part of heater maintenance is changing the air filter every month. A dirty air filter not only makes your heater work harder, but it can also lead to a number of problems, including decreased airflow and reduced efficiency. In some cases, a dirty air filter can even cause the heater to overheat and shut down. By taking the time to change your air filter on a monthly basis, you can help ensure that your heater will run smoothly all winter long.

2. Inspect your heater for any leaks or broken parts

Homeowners should inspect their heater once a year for any leaks or broken parts. A professional can do this inspection, but it is fairly easy to do it yourself. First, check the area around the heater for any water stains. Next, feel the heater for any warm spots, which could indicate a leak. Finally, listen for any strange noises coming from the heater. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to call a professional to have the heater repaired. By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that your heater is in good working condition and help prevent costly repairs in the future.

3. Clean the unit regularly to remove any built-up dust or dirt

Over time, dust and dirt can build up on the heater coils and other parts, causing the unit to work harder to generate heat. This can lead to higher energy bills and decreased heater lifespan. Additionally, built-up dirt can be a fire hazard. To clean the unit, first turn off the power and let the heater cool completely. Then, use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove any loose dust or dirt. For tougher buildup, you may need to use a cleaning solution and scrub gently with a soft cloth. Be sure to completely dry the heater before turning it back on. With regular cleaning, you can help prolong the life of your heater and keep it running safely and efficiently.

4. Schedule a tune-up with a professional HVAC technician at least once a year

Few things are as frustrating as a heater that doesn’t work when you need it most. To avoid this scenario, it’s important to schedule regular tune-ups with a professional HVAC technician. During a tune-up, the technician will inspect your heater for any potential problems and clean or replace any parts that are worn out. This preventive maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your heater and prevent costly repairs down the road. It’s also important to keep an eye out for any unusual noises or smells coming from your heater. These can be indicative of serious problems that should be addressed by an HVAC company as soon as possible. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your heater will be there for you when you need it most.

Call Elmer’s Home Services

Now is the time to make sure your heater is in good working order before the cold weather hits. Elmer’s Home Services in San Antonio can help you with all your heating maintenance needs, from tune-ups and repairs to replacements and installations. Give us a call today!

Temperatures in San Antonio, TX often reach over 96° in the summer. To keep yourself and your household members comfortable, you’re going to want to make sure that your HVAC system is fully functional. Of course, it can be hard for average homeowners to know when their HVAC systems are not operating at full capacity. If you want to know more about the signs that indicate an under-functioning or broken AC, read on. This article will go over 8 of these.

1. Your HVAC System Uses Dangerous Refrigerants

Are you an eco-conscious person? If so, you probably want to read this closely. If your HVAC unit is a certain age, it could contain a refrigerant that is not only a danger to the environment but also a danger to you. A refrigerant is any kind of substance that can move heat from one area to another. As well as being used in HVAC systems, these substances are also often used in freezers and fridges. Unfortunately, the handiness of this substance can come with great prices. To start with, some popular type of refrigerants all known as Freons (including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) like CFC-12 and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) like HCFC-22) can deplete the ozone layer when it is used. This is not a good situation, as the ozone layer protects us from ultraviolet radiation. If we’re exposed to too much ultraviolet radiation, we can develop skin cancers and cataracts. For this reason, no new HVAC units can legally include this refrigerant. However, your HVAC unit may be old enough that it can contain this refrigerant. You can find out which refrigerant your system uses by checking the nameplate. Luckily, you and the members are in no immediate danger if there are Freon refrigerants in your HVAC. These refrigerants only become dangerous if they start to leak out of your system. Before that happens, you may want to replace your current refrigerant with a safer alternative.

2. Your HVAC Vents Smell Foul

Any bad smells coming from your HVAC vents can indicate a few different problems. A burning smell can mean that there’s a burned-out part in your system or that the filters haven’t been properly replaced. A musty smell can mean that your vents have been contaminated with mold, which could pose a health problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC), molds can cause a variety of health effects. People who are sensitive to mold can experience wheezing, a stuffy nose, and/or itchy throat and eyes. In the most severe cases, mold victims can experience fever and shortness of breath. Thus, it’s not a good idea to let molds fester inside your vents for a long time. You can clean your vents of mold yourself, but it’s better to leave that job to AC repair technicians. They are the most likely to get all mold growth removed from your vents and they also know how to remove mold safely. One thing that you can easily do is replace your AC filter. If you smell a burning stench, try learning what kind of filter your AC needs and then replace the old one with a new one. Also, in the future, you should do this every one to two months to better the quality of your air and ensure that your HVAC doesn’t catch on fire. If the burning smell goes away after you do this, you’ve solved the problem that caused it. However, if this smell doesn’t go away, something is broken in your HVAC. An air conditioner repair technician will do the best job of diagnosing the problem and fixing it.

3. Your HVAC Is Producing Strange Sounds

What falls under the category of a strange HVAC sound? Anything that sounds different from the usual functioning sounds of your HVAC unit should be a cause for concern. However, there are specific sounds that you can listen for that indicate particular problems. For instance, your outdoor unit shouldn’t be clicking, clanging, banging, or screeching. All these sounds can indicate that either there’s an obstruction in your outdoor unit’s fan or there’s something generally wrong with your outdoor unit’s fan. Clicking can also indicate that one or more of the system’s components are experiencing an electrical problem. Hissing, screaming, bubbling, gurgling, and squealing are also concerning sounds that you need to keep an ear out for. These sounds indicate issues with your compressor, condensate drain line, and fan belt respectively. Each of these can lead to your HVAC either ceasing to function and/or the system presenting a possible danger to you. The only move that you can make against any of these sounds is to remove obstructions from your outdoor fan (make sure your unit is turned off before you do this, of course). The other problems are highly technical and best handled by an AC and heat professional. Luckily, you may only need to get HVAC unit parts replaced in this case and not the whole system.

4. Your HVAC System Is Blowing Hot Air

An HVAC system can blow hot air when it’s regularly functioning, of course. If it’s blowing hot air when you told it not to via the control panel, your system could likely be experiencing one or several different problems. HVAC systems usually blow hot air when they shouldn’t when there’s a clogged air filter, a refrigerant leak, an electrical malfunction, and/or a problem with the compressor. As mentioned before, you can replace the air filter and see if that solves the problem. If it doesn’t, though, you don’t want to try and solve any of the other issues yourself. It’s most likely that you’ll waste a lot of time trying to diagnose the exact problem and/or you’ll end up misdiagnosing the issue and causing an even bigger problem. Then you might need to contact a more expensive emergency AC repair service.

5. Your HVAC Energy Bill Has Mysteriously Gotten Higher

Even with regular maintenance, no HVAC systems last forever. The typical lifespan of any HVAC system is 20 years. As your system reaches that age or goes past that age, you’ll find that its energy efficiency decreases. Of course, it’s very difficult to see or feel a difference in energy efficiency if your HVAC seems to be functioning normally otherwise. The best indication of a failure in energy efficiency will show up on your energy bill. If your energy bill seems to be creeping up without any indication of inflation or heavier usage, your unit is probably just old. The best way to save yourself these extra expenses is to invest in a new HVAC installation. This can cost a fair amount at the beginning (around $3,000 to $10,000 to be exact), but this new unit will eventually pay for itself by saving you energy costs.

6. Your HVAC Isn’t Regulating the Humidity

Besides keeping your home at a comfortable temperature, your HVAC also has the job of regulating the humidity level in your home. This is a very important job. Too much humidity in the home can lead to poor home air quality, weakened walls and ceilings, mold and mildew growth, and more. If your home seems muggier than usual, consider buying a humidity measurement tool. If the humidity seems higher than what is healthy (you can learn about healthy levels of humidity online), consider contacting an AC and heat technician company. Their employees can best determine if your HVAC is the cause of the high humidity and fix the issue. If your HVAC isn’t the issue, high humidity can also be an indication of plumbing problems and you may need an emergency plumber.

7. Your HVAC Keeps Turning On and Off

A fully functional HVAC unit will turn on, blow some air, and then turn off when the room has reached a satisfactory temperature. It should only do this a few times during the day. If your unit seems to be turning on and off several times during the day, it may have a broken thermostat. Your HVAC system knows when the room has reached the temperature you set because of its thermostat. If the thermostat breaks, the HVAC will be unable to sense the temperature well and will turn itself on and off repeatedly to keep up with the wildly fluctuating temperatures the thermostat is indicating. Luckily, replacing a thermostat is an easy and often cheap repair process for an HVAC technician to perform.

8. Your HVAC Unit Is Just Old

If you check your HVAC unit’s age and find that it’s older than 20 years, replacing the whole unit can be a good next step. You’ll likely save yourself from a lot of dangers and expensive repairs in the future. Of course, you can discuss the matter with an HVAC repair technician and make certain that this is the best route for you.

Hire Us to Handle HVAC, Plumbing, and Water Heater Repair in San Antonio

As you can see, contacting an HVAC repair service is the best way to fix a malfunctioning HVAC. The prices can get high. However, the comfort and safety you provide for yourself and your household members can be well worth it. Also, if you just typed “HVAC service near me” and are in Texas, consider using our services. We are a family-owned and operated business in San Antonio and the surrounding areas with HVAC, water heater, and plumbing services. Book our services as soon as you notice a problem and we’ll promise to put you first.

In the United States, air conditioners run at an annual cost of $29 billion to homeowners. However, this cost can increase significantly when there are issues with the air conditioner. Hiring a reliable AC repair company can help you save money on your air conditioning costs and can also help you improve your indoor air quality. Do you want to learn more about hiring an AC repair service and what you should consider? Keep reading this AC repair guide for the top tips you should follow when choosing a company for your air conditioner repair or HVAC installation.

Prioritize Experience

When looking for an AC repair service, one of the first things you must consider is a company’s experience in the industry. An experienced company will provide you with higher quality services because they have a reputation to uphold in the industry. If they have been in business for several years, it is clearly because they are doing something right! A more experienced company will also typically have more hands-on experience in the HVAC industry. This will make it easier for them to troubleshoot problems with your air conditioner and will allow them to repair the problem more efficiently. In general, you can trust a company that has worked in your community for years more than you can trust a newly opened company.

Check Credentials

Next, you need to check the credentials of an HVAC company before you hire them for your AC repair. One important credential to consider is the company’s local licenses. In most states, HVAC contractors are required to be licensed to provide services. This license will prove that they have the right training and qualifications to provide repair services. Similarly, you must find a company that is fully insured. Because so many things can go wrong when working on an HVAC system, insurance will protect both you and your AC repair company if there is some type of accident or property damage. At a minimum, your contractor should have workers’ compensation insurance and general liability insurance.

Consider Repair Costs

AC repair costs can quickly get expensive. While it is often a necessary maintenance cost, it is still important that you learn more about an AC repair company’s rates for their services. Most reputable companies will provide pricing estimates to give you a good idea of what you can expect to pay. While this makes it easy to shop around for a better price, you should be cautious about choosing a company based on price alone. By trying to save a bit of money on your repair, you may be paying for lower-quality services that will not solve the problem completely. It is important that you consider both the value of the services being provided as well as the cost of services before you select a company for AC repair or air conditioning installation.

Find a Company With a Great Reputation

When you are looking for an AC repair company, you need to learn more about the company’s reputation as well. A company that has a great reputation with its clients is willing to put in the work necessary to provide high-quality services and excellent customer care. One way you can research an AC technician’s reputation is by looking at their online reviews. These reviews from past clients can provide you with unbiased information about the services they received. If you notice any serious complaints or other red flags while reading through these reviews, it may be best to select a different company to work with. You can also learn more about a company’s reputation by asking them for references. Often, companies will provide you with a list of their current customers that are willing to share their experiences. You can reach out to these customers to ask them questions about the services they received.

Ask for Recommendations

One of the easiest ways you can find a reliable company to work with for air conditioner repair is by asking for recommendations. While it can be helpful to look at online customer reviews, asking your own friends, family members, or acquaintances for recommendations is even better. This way, you can ask them specific questions about their experiences working with a certain company. They can also help you learn more about the AC repair process so you can feel prepared for your upcoming service! If you get a word-of-mouth recommendation for an AC repair company, you can feel confident that you will be satisfied with their services.

Ask About Warranties

Warranties are another characteristic of a high-quality AC repair company. Companies that are willing to put a guarantee on their services are confident in the quality of work that they provide. If something were to go wrong with your newly repaired air conditioner, a guarantee or a warranty would take the responsibility off of you as a homeowner. Instead of having to pay to get the issue repaired again, your AC repair company would return and repair the problem until it is fixed. This will save you money and will provide you with peace of mind that your air conditioner is in good hands.

Get a Written Contract

Something else to prioritize when selecting an air conditioner repair company is finding a company that offers a written contract. This provides an extra level of professionalism and can help you feel peace of mind that you are in good hands. While some companies may offer a low price with a verbal agreement, you cannot hold them to these terms if it is not in the written proposal. It is easy for unreliable companies to change the terms of the contract or even increase their prices if you do not get it in writing. Getting a written contract will protect you legally if your contractor isn’t honest.

Learn About Services

Next, you should learn more about the services your HVAC company offers. For example, your HVAC system requires regular maintenance and servicing to keep it running as smoothly as possible. You may want to find a company that offers maintenance services and tune-ups for your HVAC system. This way, you will have one company you can turn to for all of your HVAC needs. You may also want to learn more about other services your HVAC company offers. For example, some companies offer plumber services as well as heating and air services. If you need help with a water heater repair or require the services of an emergency plumber, finding a company that offers both of these services can be beneficial.

Ask About Service Hours

As a homeowner, it can be difficult for you to find time to complete your home maintenance and repairs, especially if you have a full-time job. Many air conditioning repair companies only work during typical business hours, so you might have to take time off work to get your AC repaired. However, some companies have appointments outside of these regular business hours or on the weekends. This makes it easier for you to schedule your repairs when it is convenient for you to be there. You may also want to consider finding a company that offers emergency AC repair services. You never know when your air conditioner will fail. If your AC breaks down in the middle of a heat wave, you may need an emergency service to come as quickly as possible. If you find a company that offers emergency services, it will be easier to get repairs even outside of normal work hours.

Prioritize Excellent Customer Service & Communication

Finally, you must find a company that offers excellent customer service and communication skills! Whether you need help with a heater repair or an air conditioning service, you need to feel like your HVAC company cares about your needs and will do everything it can to take care of your HVAC problems. Your AC repair service should have a professional attitude and should be courteous and friendly while they complete your services.

Looking for an AC Repair Company? Find an HVAC Service Near Me

When hiring an AC repair firm, finding the right company may require a lot of work and research. Following these AC repair tips will make it easier to find a reliable company that you can trust! If you are looking for help with AC repair, Elmer’s Home Services can help. Our team specializes in HVAC and plumbing services and can help you with air conditioning installation, air conditioner repair, and more. Contact us to learn more about our AC services or to find an “HVAC service near me.”

Summer is the time of year when we all try to take advantage of the nice weather by spending more time outdoors. While this is definitely enjoyable, it can also increase your energy usage, resulting in a higher electricity bill. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to make your home more energy efficient and help keep your costs down.

1. Install a programmable thermostat to save energy when you’re not home

One way to save energy is to install a programmable thermostat. This will allow you to set the temperature for when you are home and when you are not. For example, you can set it to be cooler when you’re not home, and then have it automatically turn back on an hour before you get home so the house is comfortable when you arrive. This can save a significant amount of energy usage, because you’re not needlessly heating or cooling an empty house. Plus, it’s convenient because you don’t have to remember to adjust the temperature yourself – the thermostat will do it for you. So if you’re looking for an easy way to save energy and money, consider installing a programmable thermostat in your home.

2. Seal up any cracks or leaks in your home’s exterior to keep the air conditioning in

By sealing up cracks and leaks, you can help to prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from entering. As a result, your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature, leading to lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint. In addition, well-sealed homes are also more comfortable in the winter, as they tend to be better insulated against the cold. So whether you’re looking to save money or reduce your impact on the environment, sealing up your home is a smart choice.

3. Hang blackout curtains in your windows to keep the sun from heating up your home during the summer months

Hanging blackout curtains in your windows can save you money on your energy bill during the summer months. The sun can heat up your home quickly, causing your air conditioner to work harder. Blackout curtains help to keep the sun out, keeping your home cooler and allowing your air conditioner to run less. As a result, you’ll save money on your energy bill and help to keep your home comfortable during the hot summer months.

4. Use fans instead of air conditioning whenever possible

One of the best ways to cut down on air conditioning costs is to use fans instead of air conditioning whenever possible. Fans use far less energy than air conditioners, and they can be just as effective at cooling a room if used properly. In addition, fans help circulate air around the room, which can make it feel cooler even if the temperature isn’t actually lower. So next time you’re tempted to reach for the AC remote, try using a fan instead and save yourself some money.

5. Get a tune-up for your AC unit to make sure it’s running as efficiently as possible

One way to save money is to make sure that your AC unit is running as efficiently as possible. This can be done by scheduling a tune-up with a qualified technician. During a tune-up, the technician will clean the unit, check for any leaks, and make sure that all the parts are in good working order. This can help to improve the unit’s efficiency and prevent costly repairs down the road. As a result, a tune-up can save you money on your energy bill and keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long.

Schedule a tune-up now!

So, what are you waiting for? Schedule your air conditioning tune-up today and rest easy knowing that your AC will be in good hands. Elmer’s Home Services provides top-notch HVAC services to residents all over the San Antonio area, so don’t hesitate to call us when you’re ready for a cooling solution that will keep you comfortable all summer long.

Financial Awareness Day – Saving money with efficient home systems

August 14th is National Financial Awareness Day, a great time to evaluate the more expensive, but less obvious areas of your finances. Central air systems are a major investment, and they don’t have to become money pits. By better understanding your home, your heating and air can actually work to save you money in the long run. Read on to learn more about the money you invest in your home systems.

Install a Properly Sized System

Making sure your HVAC system can accommodate your space is foundational to getting the most out of your investment. Heating and air systems each utilize a certain amount of energy measured in BTUs, or British Thermal Units, which will be working in proportion to your home’s square footage. This is vital to maximizing how well your HVAC works while minimizing costs. Having too big of a system will utilize more energy than naturally needed to accommodate your space. Having too small of a unit would force it to work at its maximum, causing the system to fail at heating or cooling the whole house comfortably. The experts at Elmer’s are committed to fitting your home with the proper systems to keep your family healthy and comfortable. Check out our air conditioning page to learn more about how we continue to provide customers with reliable systems and high-quality service.

Secure Your Investment

Whether you’re working with a brand new system or a preexisting unit, you’ll be budgeting for more than just a utility bill. Just as you would insure your home, backup your laptop, or register other major items with the necessary protection plans, finding a home warranty to suit your needs can mean the difference between major emergency spending worries and feeling reassured if things go awry. These tiered plans can cover the repair or replacement of many things from your home systems, to major appliances, or both, without the need to make a massive dent in your savings. If you’re looking to get a home warranty, it’s important to do your research and find a plan that works best for your budget and needs. Securing these systems early on can save you from the stress of emergency repairs, without breaking the bank.

Clean and Maintain to Save

Your systems are installed, secured, and working to keep your home’s air comfortable, and you want to keep it that way. Any kind of investment is going to need a bit of TLC and HVAC is no exception. Be sure to schedule necessary cleaning and maintenance whenever needed. Annual tune-ups, preventative maintenance, duct sealing, filter replacement, and cleaning will ensure maximum efficiency and savings for your household. This will give you the peace of mind that you’ll be protected against allergens, toxins, and other harmful results of poorly kept ducts. Elmer’s professionals are here to help anytime with HVAC maintenance, air conditioning repair, replacement, and cleaning. We specialize in ensuring top indoor air quality for both your family’s health and the longevity of your heating and cooling systems. If you are looking for the best air conditioning replacement in San Antonio, Call Elmer’s today!