How HVAC Systems Can Help During Allergy Season

May 2, 2025

Peak allergy season starts in December and runs through February in Austin, TX. The main allergen that you have to worry about during this time is mountain cedar pollen. Another allergy season pops up from March through May due to pollen from oak and other trees. Fortunately, there is a way to combat allergy season at home, starting with your HVAC system. Air Filtration Your HVAC system does more than just heat or cool your home. It also plays a critical role in filtering the air you breathe. A clean, properly maintained HVAC filter helps

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Can You Write off HVAC Replacement On Your Texas Taxes?

April 2, 2025

When it comes time to invest in a new heating or cooling system for your home, there are many options out there to choose from. It’s important to understand the potential tax credits that come along with purchasing particular types of HVAC systems. While it isn’t a write-off in the literal sense, because it’s not an expense you can claim that reduces your taxable income, it can still significantly offset the price of your new system. With this guide, you can make a better-informed decision about what system to get for your home. We’ll discuss what

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Find the Perfect HVAC System Filter for Your Home

March 6, 2025

Most manufacturers recommend changing your HVAC system’s filter every one to three months. How often you change yours will depend on your heating and cooling system usage and the air quality in your home. The most important part of this task is choosing the right HVAC filter for your system. Consider the following features when deciding which is going to best suit your needs. The MERV Rating The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating is a standard way to measure the efficiency of an HVAC filter. It helps you find the best filter for your needs

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A Homeowner’s Guide to the R410A Refrigerant Phase-Out

February 14, 2025

There’s no doubt that the HVAC industry is constantly evolving every single year. As new information comes to light, the industry makes necessary adjustments for the safety of everyone. One of the more recent changes is the government’s mandatory R410A refrigerant phase-out. What Is Refrigerant? Before we dive into what this phase-out means, it’s important to first understand what refrigerant is and how it is used. Refrigerant is a substance inside of air conditioning systems and heat pumps. It’s responsible for absorbing heat energy and transferring it from one location to the next. For example, during

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Top HVAC Innovations to Watch for in 2025

January 13, 2025

With the start of a new year comes new opportunities to make healthier choices, break bad habits, and incorporate different concepts into daily life. There are many ways you can also improve your home, making it more efficient, comfortable, and safe. There are several innovations to watch out for in the HVAC industry this coming year. Let’s look at some of what will be offered and how it can benefit your Austin residence. HVAC Technology Connected HVAC advancements will focus on IoT-powered heating, air conditioning, and ventilation equipment. By using different sensors situated throughout your home,

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Understanding the Basics of Attic Insulation

December 10, 2024

Attic insulation is a key component of a home that can help maintain a comfortable interior temperature, reduce the amount of heat that is lost in the winter, and help retain cool air in the summer. It also helps save energy by reducing the time that your HVAC system needs to run. Many homes lack insulation in one or more areas. It’s common for an attic to have minimal insulation. Let’s look at the basics of attic insulation and why you should consider an upgrade. Attic Insulation Placement Heat rises, which is why attic insulation

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How HVAC Maintenance Can Save You Money

November 12, 2024

Keeping your Austin home comfortable during every season requires a reliable and efficient heating and cooling system. Although it’s important to purchase a high-quality system, other factors come into play when dealing with efficiency and reliability. To help protect your system and save money over the long run, you need annual maintenance for your HVAC system. Learn more about what maintenance entails and how it saves you money by reading on. What is HVAC Maintenance? Heating and cooling maintenance involves having a professional technician inspect and tune your system. This process involves several steps to ensure

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How To Identify Asbestos Insulation

October 8, 2024

Identifying asbestos insulation in your home is critical to maintaining a safe living environment. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral once known for its fire-resistant properties, has been linked to serious health risks such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Many homes built before the 1980s contain asbestos insulation, so homeowners must understand how to recognize it. At Totally Cool Heating & Air in Austin, TX, we help homeowners get high-quality, safe insulation for their homes. Here, we’ll cover the main features of asbestos insulation, common places to find it, and what to do if you think it might be there.

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The Importance of Air Balancing

September 17, 2024

Your HVAC system relies on air movement to heat and cool your home. However, it’s not just a matter of moving air into and out of the system but ensuring that there’s proper balance for the air movement throughout your home. Air balancing is a process by which an HVAC technician adjusts how air flows to and from your HVAC system. Technicians consider both how much air flows into the system through return vents and how much flows out through supply vents. Part of how your system works to distribute conditioned air is

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Preparing For Your Furnace Installation

August 13, 2024

Furnaces have a lifetime of around 15 years, though they can last longer if a homeowner has been diligent about annual maintenance. However, you will eventually have to have it replaced. Before the installation day arrives, there are a few things you can do to prepare. In general, your HVAC team will be able to complete the installation process in a day. Choosing a Furnace replacemnt Choosing the right furnace replacement is crucial for ensuring comfort and an efficient home. One of the big decisions you’ll face is whether to opt for a high-efficiency model.

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