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Residential Heating

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HVAC Struggling to Keep Up with the Cold?

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It seems like the North Texas winters keep getting colder and colder every year. Many residents are facing a common problem: their HVAC systems simply can’t keep up with the cold weather to keep their homes warm. We’ve listed some of the most common reasons a heating system can be inadequate and what can be done to fix that.

Older Systems

Older systems can come with an entire host of problems. Old systems that rely on a mechanical thermostat rely on a spring that expands and contracts depending on the temperature, which sends signals to your heating unit. These springs are more prone to fail than a modern digital thermostat.

Another issue with aged systems is that they may not be big enough. As homes age, they tend to be less efficient. More drafts from leaky windows, doors, and heat loss from insufficient insulation could all be placing more stress on your heating system than it was originally designed for.

Dirty Air Filters

Maintenance is a key component to keeping your HVAC system running at its best. Replacing dirty air filters is a vital piece of maintenance because your HVAC system is only as good as its vents. If the vents are clogged, none of the warm air generated by your HVAC system will make it into the house and this will instead place heavy stress on your system.

Another possibility related to blockages is that your air ducts need to be cleared. Over time, dust and debris can build up in your air ducts. If you can hear your system running but cannot feel air coming out of the vents despite a clean filter, call a professional to come inspect your air ducts and clear any blockages.

Leaks and Drafts

This one is related to having an older HVAC system installed. The older the home itself, the more heat loss is typically felt by the residents. Older homes tend to be less insulated, have drafts around doorways and windows, and other general gaps in the home. Getting your home reinsulated or having an AC professional come and inspect your home for drafts that can be sealed could be the key to staying warm. It’s also a great way to increase your home’s efficiency and keep your electric bill low through the winter.

If your HVAC unit is having trouble keeping up with the cold this year, call Ideal Partners for a free estimate to either replace your current unit, or have it inspected to find the source of your problem.

an image of texas homes covered in ice, sleet, and snow

Winterizing Your North Texas Home

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We’ve seen some brutal winters here in North Texas in recent years. Preparing for the worst of the worst should always be in your plans, but there are a lot of other challenges you need to prep for this time of year. So while you may ultimately have to prepare for life without power, don’t forget about the other basics of protecting your home and family during the holiday and winter seasons.

1. Make sure your house is safely heated. Portable space heaters are responsible for 1,700 house fires a year and 80 deaths annually, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Placing heaters too close to things that can burn like upholstered furniture, clothing, mattresses, curtains, bedding, paper, or flammable liquids can cause dangerous fires. The best solution is a well-maintained HVAC system, but if you must use portable heaters, use them safely. Important tips when shopping for a space heater include the UL label, a ”tip over” switch, a thermostat, and an oxygen sensor. Read more about portable heater safety here.

2. Make sure your house is equipped with fire extinguishers and an alarm system. Ideal Partners can test and recharge your home fire extinguishers. Ideal can also install fire alarm and smoke detector systems as well as sprinkler systems to assure that your home is safe.

3. Get your HVAC system serviced. The last thing you want to be without in the cold months is your heating system. If your HVAC system is not prepared for freezing temperatures, pipes may burst and cause leaks. HVAC companies may also be overbooked to be able to come fix your system during the peak of winter. Get ahead of the curve by calling Ideal Partners to service your system and get your HVAC system ready for winter.

4. Make sure the rodents stay outside. You know this drill. When it gets cold outside, rodents and insect wants to come inside. Check weather stripping, windows, door frames and any holes larger than a quarter of an inch on the outside of your house. Also check around piles of logs, tree limbs, leaves, and clutter because critters love to snuggle up there. And make sure food is put away inside the house too. Ideal Partners can help here too with programs specific to your home and the critters that want to come inside.

5. Make sure your home is secure. Crime rates increase during the holidays so make sure your home is protected with a security system. Ideal Partners offers alarms, cameras and state of the art systems that can be checked and programmed from practically anywhere.

6. Also remember to: wrap your exposed outdoor pipes, check for drafts and air leaks, and winterize your plants. In other words, do whatever you can to prep your home.

As you know, winters in North Texas can be erratic and unpredictable. Cool, breezy days can turn to dangerous conditions in a brief period of time. Remember to cover the basics, prepare for the worst and to always put safety first. Check out some additional measures you can take to winterize your home here. And call Ideal Partners now to get your HVAC system winter ready, so you don’t have to call later to get it repaired!