Guide to Thermostatic Expansion Valve

October 20, 2021

Sometimes your HVAC contractor will tell you that the reason your heat pump or air conditioner is misbehaving is that your thermostatic expansion valve is broken. Therefore, you should know what this is, how it works, how to tell when there is a problem and the possible solutions to those issues. Here is all you need to know about the thermostatic expansion valve. What Is a Thermostatic Expansion Valve? A thermostatic expansions valve (usually abbreviated as TEV or TXV) is a device that helps your system function efficiently in controlling the temperature of the room. It

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Here’s How to Re-light Your Furnace

September 22, 2021

When the heat goes out, it’s never a good situation. During the winter here in Austin, it can get pretty cold, especially when the sun goes down. You’ll want your heat back on as soon as possible so that you can stay warm and comfortable. In some cases, not having heat is an indication that there’s a major problem occurring. In other cases, the solution may be as simple as re-lighting your pilot light. Below, we’ll give you instructions on how to safely relight the furnace and restore your heat. Safety First

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Wrapping Up Your AC System for the Winter

August 3, 2021

You’re probably familiar with the fact that you have to perform maintenance on your air conditioning system at the start of the summertime season. However, the work doesn’t stop there. You’ll need to perform necessary maintenance on your air conditioning system at the end of the summer season to ensure that it’s wrapped up and protected during the cold winter months. Listen to and Smell Your System Before you turn your air conditioning system off for the winter season, you need to take some time to listen to it run. When parts are starting to go

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Tips to Make the Best Use of Your AC

July 30, 2021

From the looks of it, it seems like it will be another hot summer with just the tiniest bit of precipitation. For many, that means using their air conditioners non-stop to keep cool and comfortable inside of their homes. Unfortunately, this can easily make your monthly utility bills in Austin skyrocket, a scenario you don’t want to have to deal with. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to not only make the best use of your air conditioning system but also to ensure you still have some cash afterward. Depending on the steps, some

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How Does Central Air Conditioning Work?

June 16, 2021

Most people think of an air conditioner system as a device that automatically generates cool air for cooling their homes. The air conditioning system mode of operation is the same as that of a refrigerator. A properly working AC unit will help you attain the desired room temperature in your home at any given time. Generally, air conditioners have two parts connected to help you cool your home. It has an outdoor component and an indoor unit. The outdoor component contains the air conditioner’s condenser coils while the indoor unit has the compressor coils.

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Why Does My Air Conditioner Smell?

May 24, 2021

A smelly air conditioner can make the entire house smell bad. The odor can also indicate poor air quality, depending on the cause. Your AC should not smell, so you need to get to the bottom of the problem if it does. Here are some reasons why your air conditioner smells and what you can do about it. Causes of Bad Air Conditioner Smells There are a few different smells that may come from your air conditioner. The scent can help you diagnose the problem and determine what to do. Burning

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How Do UV Light Indoor Air Quality Products Work?

April 14, 2021

Ultraviolet (UV) light has been used for decades for disinfection and purification purposes. The technology used in most UV air purification systems is ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UGVI), which uses short-wavelength UV light called UV-C to inactivate harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and more. The use of UV light for disinfection and purification purposes started in commercial and municipal purposes, however over the last two decades, UV light air purification products have been extremely popular and safe for use in homes and offices. Is There a Need to Clean Indoor Air? It is a common

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How Does A Ductless Mini-Split System Work?

March 17, 2021

Ductless mini-split systems are the fastest-growing trend in home cooling and heating. That has a lot to do with recent innovations that have made the technologies involved more efficient, effective, and affordable while also requiring a smaller footprint. Is a ductless mini-split right for you? Let’s answer that question by exploring how a mini-split system works and what you can expect. Split Systems Centralized heating and cooling systems are still the most prevalent kind used in American homes. Such setups are known as split systems because they have two parts. One part is located outside the

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What Size Furnace Do I Need?

February 18, 2021

A good furnace can make all the difference when the winter in Austin turns ugly. It’s important to understand that the process of selecting a good furnace involves far more than simply selecting the best brand and calling Totally Cool Heating & Air to install the furnace for you. Properly sizing the furnace to your home will ensure that you optimize heating capabilities and energy costs. Here are a few ways to ensure you get a “Goldilocks” furnace that’s “just right.” Consider Your Location When it comes to heating a home, not all locations are created equal. Across the country,

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Why is my heating system making noise?

January 20, 2021

As temperatures start to drop, you typically rely on your heating system to keep you warm during the winter. The condition of your heater can determine how comfortable you and your family will be in your own home. If your furnace is not operating as it should, it is a good idea to get it fixed quickly. In certain scenarios, you may notice that your equipment is producing strange noises. While some furnace sounds are normal, others can hint at serious issues that could be affecting the performance of your unit. It makes sense to let an experienced and certified

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