HVAC Service Near Me: Get Your System Ready for Winter
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How to Make Sure Your Heater Is Ready for the Winter Season

November 11, 2022
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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!

Thank you for checking out our blog. We hope you enjoyed it and ask that you please share it.

If you are experiencing any of the signs that your water heater needs repair or replacement, don’t hesitate to call a professional.

Elmer’s Home Services in San Antonio TX can help you assess the situation and make the best decision for your needs. We have experienced plumbers and quality service, so you can get back to enjoying hot showers and baths in no time.

About Elmer’s Home Services

Our business provides water heater repair, emergency plumber services, and plumbing repair in San Antonio, Texas. We have proudly served over 20,000 customers. Our professional plumbers are punctual and take pride in providing reliable and affordable home services to our neighbors.

Discover the difference in our services when you get it done “The Elmer Way”. Call us today to get more information!

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210-570-1717

Headquarters: 
9710 N Interstate 35
San Antonio, TX 78233

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5 Ways to Prevent HVAC Emergencies
Unexpected issues with your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can be stressful and costly. However, a few simple maintenance steps can save you from an HVAC emergency. And you can avoid untimely breakdowns and costly repairs with some primary care and attention. In this article, we’ll share how you can prevent HVAC emergencies. Keep reading.

How to prevent HVAC Emergencies

Schedule Regular Maintenance

The best way to avoid HVAC emergencies is to have your system inspected and serviced at least once a year. During a maintenance visit, a professional technician will check components for signs of wear and tear. They address minor problems before they turn into big, expensive repairs. For example, they may find loose connections that could cause a short circuit. Or they might notice a dirty air filter that is reducing airflow. Replacing these parts now prevents system failure down the road.

Watch for Warning Signs

Be alert for any changes in the performance of your HVAC system. Subtle changes often indicate underlying issues. For instance, if your system is suddenly louder or you notice odd smells, have it checked right away. Other warning signs include increased energy bills, uneven heating or cooling, or failure to maintain desired temperatures. Don’t ignore these red flags. Addressing minor issues promptly reduces the likelihood of complete system failure.

Change Filters Regularly

A dirty filter forces your HVAC system to work harder, causing premature wear and tear. Experts recommend changing filters every one to three months. Mark your calendar as a reminder. Pay attention to filter notifications from smart thermostats as well. Take five minutes to swap in a clean filter when reminded. Clean filters ensure proper airflow and system efficiency.

Clear Debris Outside

Take a walk around your home and inspect the external HVAC components. Look for dirt, leaves, nests, and other debris hindering performance. Carefully clean the area around your condenser unit. Also, check that nothing is obstructing airflow from vents on the outside of your home. Blockages force air back into the system, increasing strain.

Monitor Insulation

Proper insulation helps your HVAC system maintain comfortable temperatures efficiently. Check for gaps or cracks that allow cooled or heated air to escape. Adding weather stripping and sealing ducts can improve efficiency. Also, inspect insulation in attics and crawl spaces. Improvements like blown-in insulation can make HVAC systems work less to heat and cool your home.

Utilize Smart Features

Today’s high-tech thermostats and HVAC controls offer preventative maintenance features. Take advantage of automatic filter change alerts and regular maintenance reminders. Monitoring systems can notify you of unusual activity indicating a problem. Advanced controls can spot issues and adjust settings to avoid system failure.

Call the Professionals

Partnering with skilled San Antonio emergency HVAC experts provides extra protection. Let the experts handle seasonal maintenance and inspection. Trained professionals know how to spot issues and make recommendations. Investing in preventative HVAC maintenance saves money and headaches down the road. So, following these tips will help avoid emergency repairs and keep your system running smoothly all year. 

Call Elmer’s Home Services in San Antonio for Expert HVAC Maintenance

Elmer’s experienced technicians specialize in preventative maintenance to keep your system operating efficiently. Trust your HVAC equipment with the knowledgeable professionals at Elmer’s Home Services. Contact us today at (210) 503-0210 to schedule a maintenance appointment. Invest in prevention now to avoid emergencies later!
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How Often Should AC Filters Be Changed?
Surviving the sweltering San Antonio summers means relying on your trusty air conditioner. But all that runtime means your AC filter gets dirtier faster, clogging up with dust and debris. Replacing that filter is crucial for your unit’s performance and indoor air quality. But how often should you be swapping out those filters? The recommended timeframes vary based on filter type, usage patterns, and overall home conditions. In this article, we’ll explore how air conditioner filters function and what factors determine ideal replacement intervals. 

The Purpose of AC Filters

Air conditioner filters have an important job. As air circulates through the system, the filter captures dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, and other particles. Over time, the filter becomes clogged with debris, making it harder for air to pass through. A dirty filter forces your AC system to work harder to push air through. Filters protect the sensitive internal components of your air conditioning unit. Dirty air can coat the cooling coils with a thick layer of dust. Clogged filters also mean less refreshed air circulating through your ductwork and registers. So, replacing a dirty filter helps your AC run more efficiently and keeps indoor air cleaner.

How Often Should You Change AC Filters?

Most manufacturers recommend replacing air conditioner filters every 30-90 days. But the ideal replacement interval depends on several factors:

Filter Type

  • Disposable filters – Change every 30 days
  • Pleated filters – Replace every 90 days
  • HEPA filters – Swap out every 90-120 days
  • Electrostatic filters – Replace every six months
The denser the filter media, the less often it needs replacement. Disposable fiberglass filters trap fewer particles and become clogged faster than pleated media or HEPA filters.

Home Characteristics

Do you have pets or indoor smokers? Is your home near a busy highway or construction zone? Homes with more indoor pollutants need filter changes more frequently. Air conditioner run time also impacts filter lifespan. Units running 24/7 get dirtier faster than systems used only on hot afternoons.

Filter Appearance

Check your filter each month and replace it if it looks overly dirty. You should not wait for the recommended timeframe if the filter already appears clogged with dust and debris. A simple visual inspection each month ensures your filter gets changed when needed.

Signs Your AC Filter Needs Replacement

Don’t just rely on guesstimated timeframes. Watch for these signs that indicate it’s time to swap out your AC filter:
  • Increased energy bills from working harder
  • Reduced airflow at registers
  • Unusual smells emanating from vents
  • Visible dirt accumulation on the filter
  • Decreased system performance
A dirty AC filter makes your system work less efficiently. Check filters monthly and replace them at the first sign of dirt buildup to keep your HVAC system running at peak performance.

DIY or Leave it to the Experts?

Changing your air conditioner filter is generally a quick DIY project. Be sure to turn off the power to your HVAC unit before accessing the filter. Review manufacturer instructions to ensure proper filter size and orientation. Take care not to bend or damage the filter when installing. Some high-efficiency electrostatic filters require professional cleaning rather than replacement. Call the experts at Elmer’s Home Services for complex ductwork or tricky filter access. Our NATE-certified technicians can inspect your overall system health while changing difficult-to-reach filters. Proper maintenance keeps your AC operating efficiently all summer long. Contact Elmer’s Home Services in San Antonio for all your cooling needs, from filter changes to new system installations. Keep your home comfortable and energy bills affordable with routine AC filter replacements.

#1 San Antonio HVAC Expert

Ready to change your air filter? Contact us today at (210) 503-0813 for all your AC maintenance needs. Our team serves the greater San Antonio area with fast, friendly, affordable HVAC repair, installation, and maintenance.
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5 Signs You Need An Emergency HVAC Repair
There’s nothing worse than coming home after a long day out in the Texas heat, eagerly anticipating the cool air from your HVAC system, only to find it’s not working. Or waking up shivering because your heater didn’t kick on during the night. As a San Antonio homeowner, a non-functioning cooling or heating system is bad news. But how do you know if your HVAC issues require calling for emergency repairs right away versus waiting a few days to schedule a service appointment? Certain problems just can’t wait. Ignoring seemingly minor issues now frequently leads to pricey solutions later. Don’t play guessing games trying to self-diagnose strange. Read on to discover which HVAC alarms warrant ringing up the local emergency line.

 Signs You Need San Antonio Emergency HVAC Repair

Strange Noises Coming From the Unit

If you hear odd noises like banging, screeching, or buzzing from your HVAC unit, that likely signals a problem. Most issues that cause strange noises won’t fix themselves and often indicate failing parts. The unusual sounds mean your system isn’t running smoothly. Don’t ignore the noises, hoping they go away. Call an HVAC company for immediate repairs. The sooner you can pinpoint the cause of the noises and fix it, the less likely you’ll need expensive replacements.

Limited or No Air Flow in Specific Rooms

Proper air circulation is key for an efficiently running HVAC system. If you notice certain rooms in your home aren’t getting cooled or heated like they should, limited air flow could be the culprit. Things like dirty air filters or a stuck damper can restrict airflow. But this problem might also indicate failing parts like a broken blower motor or faulty ductwork. Restricted airflow strains your HVAC system. Call for emergency repairs if air isn’t flowing to restore proper circulation.

Strange Odors From the Unit

Odd smells wafting from your HVAC unit also deserve prompt attention from professionals. Unusual odors often mean something is overheating or burning inside the system. At best, the stench could just be built-up dirt and debris burning off. But it also might signal failing electrical parts or a problem like a cracked heat exchanger leaking dangerous fumes. Don’t take chances breathing in strange HVAC odors. Call for emergency repairs to identify the cause and fix it.

Evidence of Leaks or Water Damage

Finding pools of water or signs of moisture damage around your HVAC unit requires urgent repairs. Leaks signify several possible issues, like refrigerant leaks, drain line clogs, failing coils, or a cracked evaporator. Left unfixed, leaks create additional damage as water ruins insulation and corrode parts. Moisture also promotes mold growth in ductwork, leading to poor indoor air quality. Don’t wait on leak repairs—the problem will only worsen. Call for emergency service at the first sign of water around your HVAC equipment.

No Cooling or Heating At All

If your HVAC unit isn’t blowing any cool or warm air, you obviously can’t go without climate control fixes for long. Summer in Texas brings stifling temperatures you can’t endure for days without AC. And systems improperly functioning during San Antonio’s brief winter season still leave homes uncomfortably chilly. If your unit stops providing heating or cooling entirely, technicians need to diagnose the problem right away. Severe issues like refrigerant leaks, electrical failures, or motor breakdowns could be the culprit. Don’t wait on total losses of heating or cooling. Call for urgent repairs to get your system running again ASAP.

Call Elmer’s for Emergency HVAC Repairs in San Antonio

Don’t mess around with HVAC problems. Strange noises, limited airflow, odd smells, leaks, and total failures all require immediate repairs you can’t put off. Contact Elmer’s Home Services at (210) 503-0813 for emergency HVAC help anytime in the San Antonio metro region. Our skilled technicians are available 24/7 to diagnose issues and make urgent repairs. Trust the cooling and heating experts at Elmer’s for quality emergency services you can rely on!
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