Careers in the HVAC Industry

March 4, 2020

Careers in the HVAC industry can provide you with long-term job security and the ability to work with your hands and help people every day. The field is open to anyone of any age or level of all ability — as long as you’re willing to get training and certification. It’s also good if you have good organizational and communication skills and an aptitude for mechanical work. Beginning in the HVAC Industry Those in the HVAC industry generally attend a technical college or community college. Classes and certification can often be completed in eight weeks or

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Can Salt Lamps Improve Air Quality?

March 4, 2020

You’ve probably seen a Himalayan salt lamp before. These lights come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with the most common form being a single lightbulb inside of a large oblong piece of salt rock. Salt lamps are rumored to release negative ions, which are supposed to have positive health effects and to cleanse the air around them. How much truth is there in claims like these? Salt Lamps Do Produce Negative Ions If you’re fortunate enough to live near a beach, you may be aware of how relaxing and rejuvenating the ocean air is.

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Ventilation Is a Necessary Consideration for Your Home

March 4, 2020

Today’s modern homes are built with energy-efficient qualities that owners expect. Many older homes are retrofitted with energy-saving features as well, and the results are impressive when it comes to quantifying efficient use of heating and cooling systems. However, all this efficiency in air retention comes at a cost: the loss of air movement around the home. The energy-losing and drafty houses we used to inhabit were actually often more healthy for us than our current air-tight and energy-saving homes. Why You Need Good Ventilation in Your Home Homes without good air circulation and ventilation are

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5 Causes of AC Airflow Problems

December 26, 2019

Totally Cool has been providing a broad range of air conditioning services to the Austin area for more than 30 years. During summer, our service calls often deal with air conditioning systems that are operating but creating indoor environments that are unevenly cool. Here is a list of the top five causes of AC airflow problems. Dirty Air Filters and Return Vents Your system has at least one air filter and perhaps more that are designed to prevent particulates from entering the system. As a rule of thumb, such filters should be replaced at least every

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3 Energy Efficiency Tips

December 26, 2019

Have you opened your most recent electric bill, yet? The total bill is much more than you expected to pay, right? It is no surprise. Many Americans are frustrated with the skyrocketing cost of utilities in their communities. But you don’t have to accept it. You can significantly reduce the amount of money you spend each month on powering your home by utilizing a few tips to increase your energy efficiency without sacrificing your comfort. Lowering Heating and Cooling Costs It can cost a lot to keep your home comfortable no matter the season. But dirty

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The Pros and Cons of Space Heaters

November 18, 2019

From ceramic to infrared, there are several types of space heaters on the market. While it’s true that space heaters are an affordable source of heat, they can be dangerous. Are you thinking about using a space heater in your Austin home this winter? Here are some pros and cons you should know. Pro: Can Heat a Room Quickly When you’re cold, you don’t have time to wait for the thermostat to warm up your room. Space heaters offer a good source of quick heat. Depending on the model and wattage of your heater, you can

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How to Cut Heating Costs This Winter

November 8, 2019

During the winter, the cold weather forces you to crank up the heating system to keep the inside of your home from feeling like a winter wonderland. Unfortunately, the hot air from your furnace can come with high costs. Gas and electricity bills go up when you run the heater for hours on end. Thankfully, there are ways to keep your heating expenses down. Get a Tune-Up Before Winter Inefficiency drives up the costs of running a heating system. When a furnace is dirty or relies on old, worn parts, the system might work a bit

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Understanding Airflow in Your Home

October 20, 2019

We use airflow in our homes every single day, whether we want to cool or heat our homes. However, many people are unaware of how airflow actually works, which is unfortunate because understanding how it works has many benefits. One of the most important benefits is that it can save you money on your electric bill. Totally Cool in Austin, TX is here to teach you about airflow how it works inside of your home. Ventilation 101 Airflow comes in and out of each vent through your home. A central air conditioning unit pumps this air through

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Common Thermostat Issues

October 5, 2019

A sign that your thermostat isn’t working as well as it should is that your home’s interior temperatures aren’t comfortable. Here are four common thermostat issues. Thermostat Is in an Improper Place If one side of your home is typically warmer or colder than the other, then it’s likely that your thermostat is in the wrong place. To keep your home comfortable, it’s important that your thermostat is centrally placed. Thermostats that are placed centrally are usually able to distribute temperature evenly. If uneven temperatures are a big issue in your home, consider zoning your home

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Planning for Your HVAC Service Visit

September 23, 2019

If you’re planning on having HVAC service or maintenance done, a professional will take care of the difficult tasks. However, there are simple tips that can boost your system’s performance and potentially save you money on your energy bills. Totally Cool will be happy to provide you with these tips as well as professional maintenance services. Check Your Air Filter The first step is to check your air filter and see if it needs cleaning or replacing. A clogged or dirty filter can slow down your system and even cause it to fail if left for long

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