I need to get my ducks cleaned – what?!

NoOoOo, not your ducks, your ducts!
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Your air ducts are conduits that run throughout the attic space in your home. They deliver and remove air for both the AC and heating system. Each room in your home is connected to the ducts with a supply register and some rooms will also have a return register. 

A buildup of mold, fungi, bacteria, and dust in your air ducts directly affects the indoor air quality of your home.

Poor air quality can result in a decline in the overall health, comfort, and well-being of the building occupant. People who are more sensitive to their environments that have allergies or certain diseases may be impacted further by poor air quality in the home.
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Getting your air ducts cleaned when needed will help improve indoor air quality and your overall health and wellness. Clean air ducts can also result in more energy savings on your monthly bills depending on how clogged they were before cleaning. 

A general rule of thumb is every 3 to 5 years, but this depends on several factors, like:
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• Number of smokers in the household.
• Number of pets that live in the home shedding hair and dander.
• A recent renovation or remodeling projects.
• Location of your home.
• Prior to occupancy of a new home.
• Residents that have underlying health conditions that may benefit from a reduction in indoor air pollutants.
• How often the air filter is changed.
• How often the HVAC system is maintained.
• Water or other damage that may have affected your HVAC system.

 
Depending on how these factors may affect you and your home will determine how often your ducts need to be cleaned. Some homes can go longer than 5 years before needing a good duct cleaning. 

Make sure you are taking care of your home and HVAC system properly. This includes:

• Vacuuming and dusting your home regularly.
• Changing your air filters routinely.
• Finding and sealing leaks in your air ducts that might attract dust to come in from your attic area.
• Upgrading to new duct work if your home is older or your duct work is in poor condition.
• Signing up for an affordable HVAC maintenance plan where your system will get professionally tuned and inspected twice per year.

An air duct system should be cleaned by a reputable professional. The air duct system will be placed under negative pressure using a specialized duct cleaning system that functions like a vacuum cleaner.
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While the vacuum draws air through the duct work, a rotating brush head is inserted into the ducts through the registers of each room which dislodges any debris and gets sucked into the vacuum, leaving the system like new again. 

Costs for duct cleaning vary depending on how many HVAC units your home has, whether you own a one or two story and how large your home is.
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Country Air specializes in whole home air duct cleaning and provides free quotes. Give us a call today at 281-356-8564 and we’ll be happy to answer any more questions you have about duct cleaning and provide you with a free quote at no obligation to you. 

​The relentless Texas heat is here which means HVAC replacement season is in full swing. Investing in an HVAC system is a big decision, and you don’t want to pick the wrong one for your home – so how do you know which system is the right one?  

First, get familiar with the following equipment and efficiency ratings:
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The table below shows efficiency ratings for good, better and best heating and cooling equipment.

• SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and provides an annual measure of the efficiency of the air conditioner. Higher numbers use less energy.
• AFUE means Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. Higher numbers use less energy.
• HSPF means Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. Higher numbers use less energy.

 
There are 3 types of ratings that you should be aware of [1]:
 

1. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) – This is the rating used to measure the efficiency of heat pumps and air conditioners. Higher ratings indicate that the system uses less energy. Brands with the highest efficiency are rated at 22+. Air conditioners and heat pumps with a rating of 14 and above have Energy Stars affixed.
2. Average Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) – This is the standard measurement that is used to indicate the level of efficiency of oil-fired and gas furnaces. A high rating is an indication of greater heating efficiency. For example, a 60% AFUE rating indicates that the furnace converts up to 60% of the fuel (gas or oil) to heat your home. The remaining 40% goes out the flue. Choose a furnace with an AFUE rating of not less than 78%. The most efficient furnaces are rated at 98.5%.
3. Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) – This measurement gauges the energy efficiency of heat pumps. A higher HSPF rating indicates that your heat pump uses less energy, meaning it is more efficient to run. The most efficient heat pumps are rated at 13+. Heat pumps with a rating of 8.2 and above have Energy Stars affixed to highlight their efficiency.

Why it’s important to have the right sized system.
 
Now that you understand the types of equipment and their efficiency ratings you can look at what size equipment is right for your home.
 
One of the biggest mistakes people make when selecting an HVAC system on their own is they tend to get a larger system than what they need which can lead to multiple problems.
 
Humidity is a key factor when talking about cooling a home – which Houston has plenty of. A cooling system that is too big will cool down the temperature in your home quickly, but it will not run long enough to remove the amount of humidity necessary from the air. This will result in your air feeling cool but clammy, yuck. To get rid of the clamminess, you'll end up turning down the thermostat even more which makes the unit run longer and increases the energy bill. Other disastrous results can occur from not ridding your home properly of humidity like mold and mildew growth along with other moisture related damage.
 
A properly sized unit will run just long enough to remove the necessary amount of humidity from the air allowing you to sit comfortable in your home at a higher thermostat setting which ultimately saves you money on your energy bill.

Hiring a professional.
 
Country Air will take the headache out of choosing the perfect HVAC system for your home. Our experts will work with your budget as well as the needs of your home to find the perfect fit. We offer free estimates, second opinions and financing options on HVAC replacement. Call us with your list of questions today and we’ll be happy to get you back to cool comfort fast in your home. 281-356-8564
 
 
Sources:
[1] https://www.servicechampions.net/blog/how-to-select-the-right-hvac-system-for-your-house/

​You probably don’t think about your trusty HVAC system often. It’s kind of like breathing, your lungs are always working to pull new air into your body but it’s not something you think about. Just like your HVAC system runs behind the scenes to keep you comfortable in your home. As long as you’re comfortable, it’s just not on your mind. But the minute dull, hot air wraps around you like a blanket while watching TV – you instantly think, “Uh oh, what’s wrong with the AC?”. 

Luckily, you don’t have to wait until your HVAC system stops working on a 95-degree day when your friends and family are coming over in an hour to celebrate your Son’s Birthday (that’s always when it happens, right?)
 
Be on the lookout for signs that your HVAC system might be reaching the end of its life:

 1. No cool air. Period.
If you keep turning down your thermostat lower and lower and no cool air comes out at all, it’s pretty much a dead giveaway something is wrong. It could be that you need a Freon refill or something more troublesome like a blown compressor.
 
2. Wacky thermostat.
One second your thermometer reads 72-degrees, the next it reads 80-degrees. If your thermostat is set to one temperature but you keep noticing a fluctuation throughout the day, it could mean your thermostat needs replacing or it could be signs of a larger problem to come.
 
3. Run Forest Run.
If your AC is running all day long and never stops it could mean a multitude of things – anything from a dirty air filter, to your unit being undersized, to your ducts being clogged, to your unit simply being old. Usually, it is a combination of any of these. Like a beloved dog, HVAC units have a life span of around 15 years. If your AC is running all day, it’s a good idea to have it checked to see what’s up.
 
4. This room’s hot – this room’s cold.
If you feel like Goldilocks going from room to room trying to find the temperature that is just right for you – your AC might be ready to call it quits. An AC that isn’t working efficiently might not be able to pump cool air to the parts of the home that are further away, resulting in rooms that are cold and rooms that are hot.
 
5. Something doesn’t smell right.
Did that pesky squirrel hit the dust in the attic or What. Is. That. Smell?! If you’re picking up something stinky it could mean your unit’s wiring has burned out or there could be a build up of mold and/or mildew in the duct work, AC unit or both. This growth can have negative health implications for your family so if something smells bad, it’s time to have a professional come inspect your HVAC system.

6. A decline in the quality of air.
Last summer the house felt crisp, brisk and comfortable all summer long, like taking in a breath of fresh mountain air. This summer, the air feels heavier, almost like taking a deep breath on an ozone warning day in downtown Houston. Somewhere along the way, you feel like the air quality in your home has declined. This could be due to your ducts needing a good cleaning or it could mean your compressor or capacitor is failing. Either way, it’s time to get your unit checked out.

​7. That doesn’t sound right!
If you start hearing bangs, clanks, screeches, whistles, grinding or grating from your HVAC unit, something’s up – usually broken motor bearings, slipped belts, or the system just needs a good tune-up with lubrication.
 
8. Is that a damp spot?
Woah – that area is supposed to be dry! Maybe your refrigerant is leaking or your conduit that disposes of condensation is broken or blocked. Don’t let obvious signs of dampness go unchecked – it can lead to mildew and mold growth that will cause even more complications down the road.
 
9. Higher energy bill.
Ouch – that energy bill hurt to pay! If you notice your energy bills climbing at a rate that is not normal for the time of the year, it could be that your HVAC unit is not running as efficiently and needs to be inspected.
 
10. Multiple Breakdowns.
If your HVAC system is being maintained as it should twice a year by a professional – it shouldn’t be randomly breaking down as most common AC issues are caused by a lack of maintenance. If you notice multiple instances where you’ve had to get repairs on your unit, it’s probably a sign that your system will need replacing soon. Talking with your HVAC professional will help you determine if it’s better to replace your unit now or continue risking costly repairs in the future. ​

​When it comes to replacing your unit – nothing goes in the same way it came out. There are always newer, more efficient units on the market and better options for your home. Our specialists at County Air will help fit a system to your home and budget’s needs so you can stay comfortable year round.
 
Give us a call at 281-356-8564 for any questions you may have. We are happy to provide free quotes and second opinions on HVAC system replacements. 

A sigh of relief: it always feels good to check that last item off your spring-cleaning to-do list, but check it twice, did you remember to clean your dryer vent?
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It’s not something you probably think about much but cleaning your dryer vent is an important part of routine maintenance in your home.

Here is a step by step of what to expect a professional service to provide:

1. The dryer vent opening is thoroughly inspected, from the inside to the outside where the vent exists the home. If dirt, animal waste or other debris are present around the exit vent opening, they are removed.
2. A rotational brush is then inserted into the dryer vent opening and ran completely through the vent to pull out dust, lint, dirt, and whatever else might have snuck its way past your lint trap (say hello to those two Lego pieces your kid lost a year ago).
3. The area behind the dryer is cleaned (how does it get so dirty back there!?)
4. The dryer lint trap and drum are thoroughly cleaned. 

Your parents probably taught you to clean the lint trap after every load – and they were right! Be sure to pull out all visible lint before you dry a new load and vacuum out any hard-to-reach areas. As far as cleaning the dryer vent, we recommend once per year or more often if:

​You have a large family.
More people in the family = more loads of laundry. The more loads of laundry, the more lint and debris that build up in the vent. If you notice signs that your dryer vent needs to be cleaned, even after getting it done in the same year, it’s a good idea to go ahead and have it done again.
 
You have pets.
Pet hair – it’s everywhere! Especially in your dryer vent after wearing it on your clothes all day. Since dryer vents get clogged more quickly with fur babies present, it’s a good idea to get your dryer vent cleaned more often. 
 
You wash a lot of bedding.
Ever notice how full the lint trap is after washing your favorite blanket? Bulky laundry tends to shed a lot more than your normal weekly load of clothes, so if you do dry a lot of blankets, your vents might become clogged faster.

​Of course! Your local hardware store can provide you with the tools you need to thoroughly clean your dryer vent. But – if the hassle and the mess is something you don’t want to deal with, call a professional like Country Air to come help you out. We offer free quotes and competitive pricing for dryer vent cleaning. Call us today at 281-356-8564.

​In today’s world, people are seeking out ways to keep their home and the air they breath as clean as possible. We are thrilled help our customers looking to fight not only COVID-19 but many other viruses, bacteria, and contaminants.

Aerus, the global leader in surface and air purification solutions came out with scientific evidence this past year from a FDA-compliant, independent lab establishing that their ActivePure® Technology available in their products kills COVID-19 on surfaces and in the air. This is exciting news for homeowners and small business owners because ActivePure® Technology is available in Country Air’s number one selling indoor air quality product: the Air Scrubber.
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The Air Scrubber is an affordable piece of equipment that easily installs into your HVAC system’s ductwork. It continuously works to remove surface contaminants, air pollution, VOCs, pet dander, odors, and dust, resulting in a clean and healthy environment for the people you care about. 

​ActivePure® Technology inside the Air Scrubber uses light waves and a catalytic process to produce scrubber ions hydro peroxides that destroy contaminants on surfaces and in the air. It features a high intensity UVC light that makes use of the same oxidation and ionizing properties of light as naturally occurring in sunlight.

​The ActivePure® Technology built into each Air Scrubber by Aerus is based on a variation of the technology originally developed for use on the International Space Station and is recognized as the exclusive Certified Space Technology™ in its category. Which is pretty cool if you think about it - telling your neighbors that your home is protected by space technology can be a great conversation starter.

Call us at 281-356-8564 or fill out the form below to be contacted today. We look forward to answering your questions and earning your indoor air quality trust.
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Learn more about the Air Scrubber by Aerus.

The hot summer months are right around the corner which means it’s time for spring safety and maintenance inspections on your HVAC equipment. So, what is a spring check for and why is it beneficial to you?