Heating & Air Conditioning Blog | Air Express in Richmond, TX

Why Winter Requires a Different Filter

January 20, 2023

During the winter, your HVAC system may need to work harder to keep your home warm. This can put additional stress on the system, which is why it’s important to take steps to maintain and prepare your HVAC system for the winter months. Reasons to Change your Filter Using a different HVAC filter during the winter months is a good idea for several reasons. The first reason is that a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) filter with a higher rating is generally recommended for use during the winter. MERV is a standard that measures a filter’s ability to remove particles...

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What Is the Typical Life Span for a Furnace?

December 20, 2022

Furnaces are by far the most common heating option in the US, and this is true even in places like Texas where the winters are generally quite mild. Most homes in colder climates rely on gas furnaces for heating, but either gas or electric furnaces can be a good option for homes in Richmond. Here is some information regarding how long you can expect your furnace to last. Average Life Span for Gas and Electric Furnaces Gas furnaces tend to have lower energy costs than electric units purely for the fact that natural gas tends to be quite a bit...

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How Cold Does It Have to Get Before a Heat Pump Quits Working?

October 19, 2022

Heat pumps work to warm the home by moving heat from the outdoors to indoors. However, many people considering getting a heat pump worry about where their heater will get heat from if it’s freezing outdoors. To see whether or not heat pumps work in freezing weather, it’s essential to understand how they work. Will a Heat Pump Work in Freezing Temperatures? Modern heat pumps can still operate in freezing temperatures because they have compressors that adjust speed and energy consumption based on temperature. They also use grooved copper tubing that better facilitates heat exchange. The end result is that...

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Should You Upgrade Your Window Unit AC?

September 13, 2022

Most people use window air conditioners because they are affordable and don’t need a lot of additional equipment to operate. They are also easy to install compared to a central unit. Unfortunately, they don’t always offer the best cooling experience nor are they the most convenient, as they occupy most of the space in the window and obstruct the view outside as well as sunlight. It may be time to consider upgrading to a central AC unit. Signs That You Need to Upgrade Your Window Unit AC 1. Old Age An average window unit has a lifespan of 10 years....

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Is It Safe for Me to Power Wash My AC?

August 16, 2022

The AC unit for your Richmond, TX, home sits outdoors 24/7, where it’s exposed to the elements, insects, animals and more. Pollen, insect debris, animal droppings, tree sap and more may get into the AC unit, reducing its efficiency and potentially damaging sensitive components. Read on to learn whether or not power washing your AC unit is a safe or recommended method to keep the system clean. Never Power Wash Your AC Unit Never power wash an air conditioner. Its aluminum housing may warp or bend. The tubing carrying the refrigerant may crack from the pressure of a power washer....

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4 Common AC Compressor Problems

July 26, 2022

If your air conditioner compressor is not working, you will want to troubleshoot the problem. A compressor that isn’t working can lead to an AC that isn’t cooling your home. In this blog post, we’ll go over four of the most common compressor problems. 1. Overheating One thing that can cause your AC compressor to fail to work is due to overheating. This can happen if the air filter is dirty and isn’t allowing enough air to flow over the coils. 2. Making Strange Noises If your AC compressor makes strange noises, it could signify a severe problem. Strange noises...

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3 Ways to Soundproof Your HVAC System

June 13, 2022

Most of us have had the experience of waking up in the middle of night due to our loud HVAC unit kicking on. Or, we’ve been trying to concentrate on work or a movie, only to get interrupted by the incessant drone of an HVAC system. Fortunately, soundproofing your HVAC can help reduce this noise. Read on to learn how to reduce noise from your HVAC system. 1. Stop the Noise Where It Starts The use of a vibration-reducing product like Vibra Block is a great way to buffer any noise your HVAC system might be giving off. Vibra Block...

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Why an AC May Be Leaking Water

May 16, 2022

It’s not uncommon for an AC unit to be covered in a layer of condensation. However, if you see a significant amount of water pooling around this component, it may be a good idea to have it serviced as quickly as possible. Let’s take a closer look at why water may be leaking from your home’s cooling system. There May Be a Clogged Drain Line Excess condensation is transported away from the AC unit through a drain pipe. If the drain pipe is clogged, it may cause water to leak from the pipe and into areas of the home where...

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Can You Save Money by Opening Your Windows at Night?

April 14, 2022

Opening a window in winter to let some cold air in while you sleep is a time-honored tradition. However, if your home is extremely warm, the cool air can harm your health and cost you more money in the end. Educate yourself on the right and wrong ways to regulate your home’s temperature at night. If you sleep with a window open every night, you should be aware of the health risks it can lead to. For example, if the room temperature is too hot or cold, you may get sick. Allergens can also fill your room at night and...

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How Installing a Used Furnace Can Work for You

March 15, 2022

Today, consumers all across the country are looking for ways to save money on heating and air conditioning their homes. In addition to cutting operating costs, some are turning to the second-hand market in search of a used furnace for their home. A smart buyer who teams up with a reliable heating professional can purchase, install and operate an older furnace safely. Here are some steps to take to help ensure the safe and reliable installation of a used furnace. Learn as Much About the Unit as You Can Learn more than just the basic information about the used furnace...

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