Types of Heat Illnesses

• Heat Cramps are painful muscle spasms and cramping that occurs after intense exercise and/or sweating in high heat. Heavy exertion also causes potassium and magnesium levels to drop dangerously low.
  
• Heat Exhaustion results from losing large amounts of water, salt and electrolytes from the body. It occurs when you are sweating profusely, but do not replace what’s been lost through drinking water or Gatorade. The body then becomes unable to cool itself. The lack of essential fluids disturbs circulation and brain functioning.
• Heat Stroke is the most severe heat illness, which occurs when the body is overwhelmed by its inability to cool down during long, intense exposure to heat. By this point, the brain is not functioning normally to tell the body to sweat and a person can die without treatment.

Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness

The earliest signs of heat-related illness involve clammy, moist skin, flushed complexion and muscle cramping. A mild fever of 102 degrees is typical. Removing excess clothing, stretching, getting out of the heat, and drinking water or Gatorade can usually help at this point.

By the time heat exhaustion sets in, a person’s face has gone from red to pale. Headache, fatigue, dizziness, weakness, anxiety and nausea usually occur too. Vomiting, diarrhea and fainting spells are other possible symptoms.

The signs of a heat stroke include: a fever over 104 degrees, rapid heart rate, loss of appetite, vomiting, headache, fatigue, confusion, lethargy, and stupor. Seizures, a coma, or even death may occur if the symptoms are not treated by a medical professional at once.

Heat Sickness Treatment & Prevention

Your best course of action is to keep an eye on the weather forecast and avoid those extremely hot days. Stay inside, kick up your Houston air conditioning, and be well this summer! Air Depot professionals can stop by to do a system tune-up to make sure your system functions properly all season long. Or, if you don’t have central air conditioning — but are curious about it — then be sure to call us to learn more.

1. Your refrigerant is leaking.

Ideally, you want your refrigerant charge to match the manufacturer’s specification. A leak can cause your system to struggle to perform, not to mention harm the environment. Unfortunately, you can’t simply add more refrigerant. You’ve got to call a trained technician to repair the leak, run a few tests, and charge the system with the recommended level of refrigerant.

2. Your system is filthy.

Air conditioners are much like automobiles. Just as you need to have the oil and air filter changed every so often, you need to have your AC’s coils and filter cleaned regularly. Otherwise, the dirt will overtax your unit and cause the compressor or fans to fail prematurely.

3. There has been an electrical failure.

Over time, parts like the compressor and fan naturally wear out — especially if you’ve never had them cleaned or when you’ve purchased a system that is too large for the space it is cooling. These units turn on and off frequently all day long. Corroded wires and components are often seen in older models, so it’s good to have regular service calls to detect any issues before they become a major  headache.

4. The sensor is out of position.

Sometimes the sensor gets jostled and knocked out of position, so it has a hard time measuring the air temperature coming into the evaporator coil. This can cause your AC to act erratically, cycling on/off too much or too little. Fortunately, this problem can be corrected by straightening the wires and the sensor device.

5. There is a clog in your drain.

Clogged drains can shut down your system in a hurry. Regular routine maintenance will prevent this common issue.

Live in Houston, Texas? Call Air Depot for a tune-up or repair: 281-477-3700.

A Growing AC Theft Epidemic:

Last week, thieves scaled three stories to steal six air conditioners from Houston’s 125-year-old St. Nicholas Catholic Church. They went through all that effort for only $200 worth of copper. Yet, now it will cost the church $30,000 to replace what they’ve lost and repair the damage.

This rash of burglaries is not just happening in Texas. It’s also been reported in California, Washington, Florida, Louisiana, Ohio — and just about everywhere you can imagine!

How To Protect Your Houston AC Unit:

Having a central AC unit in Houston is your best bet because it is MUCH heavier and harder to steal than a small wall-mounted unit. Likely, one of your neighbors will see what’s going on and call the cops before the crooks can escape. However, there are extra precautions you can take:

• Enclose your Houston air conditioner with a protective cage like the ones from King Fab.
• Install lighting on the air conditioner or a security alarm / monitoring device.
• Plant hostile bushes around the AC unit to make it difficult to reach or move.
• Fence off your central air conditioner, so it’s difficult to maneuver around the unit.

By taking a few extra precautions, you can make certain that thieves will pass over your house to find an easier target.

Need AC?

We don’t deal in the security of air conditioners in Houston here at Air Depot. However, we CAN install a brand new unit or repair one that has been damaged through general wear-and-tear or an attempted robbery. Please call 281-477-3700 for more information.

Don’t let this happen to you!

Don’t let your northern friends make you feel bad about your air conditioning, Houston!

Michael Sivak, a researcher at the University of Michigan, found that Minneapolis, Minnesota (the coldest metro) uses 3.5 times’ as much energy as Miami, Florida (the warmest metro). ”The main story is counter-intuitive to me as well because we hear all the time about how unsustainable it is to live in the desert,” Sivak says. “This doesn’t actually argue that that’s not the case. It just says look, there’s another side of the coin as well, and we should pay attention to the other extreme.”

Sivak didn’t look at the exact energy consumption of residents — but rather, he calculated the demand for heating and cooling based on the temperatures. The ideal indoor temperature should be about 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but Sivak used a more conservative estimate of 64 degrees since activities like running the shower and cooking dinner tend to heat the house as well.

“It takes more energy to heat a room by one degree than to cool it by the same amount,” said Sivak. “And the typical air conditioner is about four times more energy efficient than the typical furnace or boiler.”

He admits that one must look at water consumption, transportation patterns and air quality to come up with an accurate picture of sustainability — and that he failed to look at the amount of energy needed to power air conditioners electrically — but it does help dispel the myth that southern cities use up more energy simply based on the fact that it’s hot down here.

Now is the perfect time for a Houston AC tune-up!

Call 281-477-3700!

How Much Are You Willing To Invest In Your Home?

The easy economical answer would be to replace the air conditioner only. However, that may not be the best answer in the long run. If you plan to stay in your home for 5 years or more, then a total upgrade makes sense. Naturally, you want to be as comfortable as possible while living in your home and save as much money as you can on your monthly bills. With all the financing plans available to consumers, it makes little sense to hold off.

If a contractor has recommended a full upgrade now, then it is only going to get worse the longer you wait. That being said, not every contractor is ethical, so it’s recommended that you hire an Energy Audit professional certified by BPI (Building Professional Institute) or RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network). The audit will tell you if your home has an air-tight seal, if you have enough insulation, and if you’ve been paying to cool all of Houston.

Sizing New Houston AC Units:

A good contractor will be able to determine if your existing ducts are sized properly for the furnace fan size, power and location. Many people find that old HVAC systems located in the basement have a hard time cooling second floor rooms. However, the newer high-efficiency systems can be located anywhere and will do an excellent job cooling the entire home.

Make sure the HVAC professional you use refers to manufacturer manuals to determine the proper sizing of the HVAC equipment for your home. We’ve seen many cases where AC units are much too large for the homes they were put into. For instance, you don’t need a four-ton AC unit for a 1,900 sq ft ranch home. A unit that is too large will cool the space quickly, but also leave excess moisture in the air. Damp homes breed mold and mildew.

Call 281-477-3700 For A Free Quote on Houston AC!

It’s a good idea to get several free quotes before making a decision. If everyone says the same thing, then it’s obviously very easy to make the call and go with whoever seems most knowledgeable, professional and reasonable. If you hear conflicting stories, look for a third party energy auditor to advise you going forward. The average central AC unit in Houston lasts 10 to 15 years, so if you can’t remember the last time it was replaced, then it’s probably a good idea to upgrade your entire system.

The average home purchased in 2013 was built in 1996 and offered 1,860 square feet of space with three bedrooms / two full bathrooms. Repeat buyers, new home buyers, married couples and family with children tended to buy larger homes. On the other hand, first-time buyers and single women generally bought the older homes.

Yet, across every category, the most desired home feature was “central air conditioning,” with 65 percent of all buyers ranking it “very important.” Not surprisingly, 79 percent of Southern buyers said central air was “very important.” A full 69 percent of buyers who did not purchase homes with central AC said they would be willing to pay $2,520 more for a home with this convenience.

Installing a new central air unit is a substantial investment, but real estate agents say it can increase a home’s value by as much as 10 to 20 percent. Contact us to improve your comfort and home value today. We’re offering $500 off Bryant Air Conditioning Installation now through June 30th!

Which Brands Are Best?

Unfortunately, there are not many credible reviews or independent tests out there to consider. That being said, our contractors do hear a few common sentiments among our customers. The Goodman brands tend to have more detractors than the other brands we’ve installed and serviced before. They are often sold to consumers who want a cheaper alternative to some of the most popular brands. In this case, we find: You get what you pay for!

On the other hand, we get a lot of positive feedback from the 20 SEER Bryant 187 Evolution Series unit. The two-stage model runs on low speed most of the time, which keeps room temperatures steady and minimizes electricity consumption. It comes with a 10-year warranty on the compressor and 5-year warranty for all other parts. The Trane XL 19i, 21 SEER Carrier Infinity Series, and Lennox XC21 are other units our customers generally really like. People say the Lennox AC units are surprisingly quiet and, indeed, the company prides itself on creating a central air unit that is “13 times quieter than a standard air conditioner.”

Other Popular Brands

A lot of people own the American Standard Allegiance 18, but it’s definitely a step down from the other models we mentioned. The Carrier Performance Series is another step down, as a single-stage air conditioner. The Lennox Merit Series is packed with features, but is not very high in efficiency (14 SEER) and lacks the longer warranty that other brands carry.

Central Air Service & Installation in Houston

Whether you need service on an existing AC unit or you would like to have a new central air unit installed, Air Depot has you covered! Our family-owned and operated, BBB Gold Star Award-winning company has left a wake of satisfied customers behind since 1977. Call 281-477-3700 for more information on the service we offer. Our representatives answer the phones 24/7!

Get A Clean Filter.

You may have a central system that requires removal and occasionally washing — or you might have a disposable filter you need to change monthly. A dirty filter uses up more energy, creates more wear-and-tear on your unit, affects when your HVAC turns on or off, and produces rooms that are not as comfortable. You can cut energy use by 5 to 15 percent by changing the filter, according to the US Department of Energy.

Check Your Coils and Fins.

Central AC units have two coils made of copper and aluminum that regulate temperature control. The condenser coil is the outdoor component and the evaporator coil is located indoors. They both collect dust and debris, which can reduce the cooling capacity by up to 30 percent. Cleaning these coils with compressed air will help considerably. You also want to make sure your fan fins did not get bent during normal use.

Unclog Your Drain Lines.

Sometimes drain lines can become clogged — causing mold colonies to form or reduced functionality. A stiff wire ran through the drain will clear out debris. If mold is discovered, you will also need a sanitizing solution to prevent a recurrence.

Call 281-477-3700 for a system check-up. Refrigerant leaks and broken fans are the most common causes for breakdowns — and that requires a trained professional to repair. A tune-up is much more affordable! 

How Do Technicians Conduct Safety Checkups?

There is no industry standard for a heat safety inspection. Every company has a different set of protocols, but keep in mind that a $20 Groupon offer is going to be very different from a standard $200 tune-up. A few areas we look at include:

• Common areas of blockage or leakage, including internal connections and outside terminations
• Combustion gas levels, compared to unit specifications
• Blower access door seals
• Fresh air intake grills
• Heat exchanger (for signs of corrosion)
• Burners (for proper ignition)
• Drain system and hoses
• Blower wheel
• Amp-draw (for the blower motor)
• Wiring
• Filters
• Static air pressure
• Gas pressure
• Temperature

Do You Need To Call A Pro?

Most homeowners do not have the expertise to conduct these regular procedures. If you have an electrician, engineer or technician in the house, he or she may be tempted to do it — especially if they’ve had a sub-par contractor come and simply suck out fuzzy dust bunnies with a vacuum! However, it’s worth your while to find a professional you can trust to come out and conduct regular inspections. If your unit is brand new, you may only need this service every other year, but units that are more than 10 years old should be checked annually.

How Much Do Heat Safety Checkups Cost?

The ballpark for heat inspections is $80 to $150. Yet, buying an HVAC is about more than safety. It’s also about preventative maintenance — about freeing up blockages so your unit works better and preventing a problem that may switch off your system in the middle of the night. Most contractors charge high emergency fees if you have a sudden breakdown, so it’s best to catch any issues before they become urgent.

Call us at 281-477-3700 for a Houston heat safety checkup.

**This month, get $15 off! **

]]> http://www.airdepot.com/2013/02/27/heat-safety-checkups-in-houston/feed/ 0 http://www.airdepot.com/2013/02/20/why-your-hvac-technician-should-be-nate-certified/ http://www.airdepot.com/2013/02/20/why-your-hvac-technician-should-be-nate-certified/#comments Wed, 20 Feb 2013 16:36:39 +0000 Chris Taylor http://www.airdepot.com/?p=1440 You may have noticed our website says that all of our HVAC technicians are “NATE-certified.” That doesn’t mean they were all certified by some guy named “Nate.” N.A.T.E. stands for “North American Technician Excellence” and is considered to be the gold standard for HVAC tech workers. Here’s why…

NATE Techs Pass Competency Exams.

You want to know that the HVAC contractor sent to your home is knowledgeable. While every business has its own training procedures, there is added peace of mind in knowing that the technician has passed an exam testing his aptitude. For the core exam, HVAC technicians can choose to focus on installation or service. The test covers topics like: safety, tools, science, temperature, humidity, and electrical components. Specialty exams may focus on areas like: air conditioning, heat pumps, air distribution, gas/oil heating, gas/oil hydronics, and commercial refrigeration. To maintain certification, technicians must retake the exam every 5 years to remain sharp and current on technological advancements.

NATE Certification Is Difficult To Achieve.

Even though there are over 20,000 NATE-certified technicians in America, the passing rate is much lower than any other third-party certification program. The passing rate is said to be in the ballpark of 43 to 57 percent. For this reason, NATE is endorsed by leading HVAC manufacturers and industry organizations like the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).

Why NATE Matters To Consumers:

Hiring a NATE-certified contractor ensures that the job is done correctly the first time, whether you’re getting a new installation or a repair done. Often, heating and air conditioning problems are caused by poor installation, so the best way to avoid issues is to call a certified expert. It can be a competitive market out there and it can be hard to choose between different HVAC companies. Since NATE certification is voluntary, it shows that the company adheres to the highest possible standards of excellence.

Contact us for more information!