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What Defines an HVAC System?

February 18, 2019

To keep a home’s interior temperatures comfortable year-round, most homeowners have an HVAC system. The term “HVAC” is an acronym for “heating, ventilation and air conditioning,” but what separate items does that include? The helpful technicians at Totally Cool Heating & Air wanted to give you a breakdown. Here are some of the main components. The Thermostat The thermostat is the part of your HVAC unit that you’ll interact with the most. Placed on an easy-to-access wall, your HVAC system’s thermostat allows you to program your home’s interior temperature or adjust it manually to keep it

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How to Find the Best HVAC Contractor

February 18, 2019

For something as essential as your HVAC system, it’s natural to want to find the best HVAC contractor to take care of your heating and cooling system. It’s also natural to find the search confusing since HVAC systems are a complicated appliance and require considerable expertise to install, maintain and repair. Licensing The state of Texas requires all HVAC contractors and technicians to have an active license to work in this field. They also need insurance and bonding, which protects their clients and their company from financial damages. Certifications Besides the license,

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How to Beat the Winter Air Quality Woes

January 7, 2019

For a home heating system to work efficiently in the winter months, you have to keep things as sealed up as possible. Windows and doors are shut to keep out the cold. As much as one can, leaks and drafts are plugged and filled. Unfortunately, all this effort to keep the house tight and cozy can lead to issues with ventilation. It’s harder to exchange indoor air with fresh, outdoor air. As a result, dander, mold spores, and dust can build up in your home. Add to that the generally dry air of winter and you can have an uncomfortable

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How Often Should My Furnace be Replaced?

December 20, 2018

It’s important to know how often your furnace should be replaced, as this information can prevent you from having to deal with your system breaking down at an inopportune time. Warnings That It Might Be Time for a New Furnace The age of your furnace is essential for knowing how soon you might need another one. Overall, the average unit usually lasts between 15 to 30 years. Some HVAC experts suggest that people need to start searching for future options when their furnace has reached the 20-year mark because it’ll start needing more repairs. If your

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Do I Need a Home Humidifier for the Winter Months?

December 17, 2018

Even in the winter months, the desert climate of Austin, Texas is still an active influence on the environment. How can residents get relief from the dryness that aggravates allergies and other respiratory issues? Here are some of the ways adding a humidifier to your home during the winter can improve your seasonal health and comfort. Lower the Number of Airborne Allergens Water molecules in your air attach to the particles of dust and matter swirling around your home. Trapped in the heavy molecule, these particles drop harmlessly to the ground, losing the chance to find

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Austin Leads in Residential Efficiency in 2017

November 20, 2018

Every year, the U.S. Energy Information Administration posts an annual benchmark report of all-electric utilities in the U.S. The Final data from the 2017 EIA-861 is now posted. It has mostly good news for Austin Energy (AE) and our city’s energy efficiency. Average Residential consumption continues to be profoundly low for AE. This is in all likelihood because of its conservation programs, building codes, green building program, and progressive rate structure. Austin Energy is part of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) grid, which supplies about 90% of the state’s electric load. Only

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The Importance of Regular Furnace Maintenance

November 10, 2018

If you live in the Austin Metro area, you know you need your furnace in the winter months. Doing regular maintenance on your heating systems can make sure your home stays warm and your heating system works at peak efficiency. Peace of Mind The licensed professionals at Totally Cool can provide you with peace of mind: Your system works when you need it Efficient systems use less energy and can reduce your electric or gas bills Regular maintenance means an efficient system Reduce leaks Find small issues

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The Importance of Weatherization

September 29, 2018

Weatherization describes a series of strategies designed to protect the indoor environment from the potential negative effects of outdoor elements. This is an extremely important way for home and business owners to keep utility costs low by maximizing energy efficiency. Without weatherization, other energy-saving measures won’t be nearly as effective and may even fail. For instance, having a brand new energy-efficient furnace may not result in lowered utility bills if the household heat is all going out through drafty windows and doors or seeping out through inadequate insulation or up through an uninsulated attic. Not only does

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What is NATE Certified?

August 30, 2018

When it comes to heating and cooling systems in your home only the best technicians and the best company are right. It is important that when choosing a company to work on your HVAC system that you look for the NATE certification. It is also important to understand what NATE means and what this certification denotes. What Does NATE Stand for? NATE stands for the North American Technician Excellence certification. This is a certification that is handed out to those technicians that seek the certification and know enough about HVAC systems and operations that they are

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How Can I Save Money on Energy Bills in the Summer?

August 15, 2018

It’s no secret that energy bills can get quite steep during the summer months. One of the main factors contributing to that is air conditioning and cooling energy efficiency. But there are definitely some key ways to save money on those hot-weather energy bills. Turn Up the Thermostat One simple way to save on energy usage is by turning up the temperature on your home’s thermostat. Even increasing the temperature by a couple of degrees, such as from 76 to 78, can make a difference. Keep the Shades Closed During the day

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