Blog - GVEC Home

Why Your AC Unit Should Be Sized Exactly for Your Home

May 2, 2019

Proper HVAC Sizing is a Must No matter the season or time of year, it’s important to have a correctly sized HVAC system. Because these systems work overtime in the Texas heat, summer is an especially critical time for proper sizing. An improperly sized AC/heating system can lead to a number of problems. The Perils of Improper HVAC Sizing One of the problems that can be caused by an improperly sized HVAC system is higher-than-normal humidity levels in the home. Other potential problems include higher-than-average electricity bills and increased system wear-and-tear. Improper HVAC Sizing and High Humidity Oversized AC/heating systems tend to run shorter heating/cooling cycles. Reduced run cycles leave the system with insufficient time to remove excess water vapor from the air, leading to humidity issues. Higher-than-normal humidity in the home can make it feel hotter inside than the temperature indicated on the thermostat. More significantly, high inside humidity can cause mold growth on walls, ceilings, and floors, creating an unhealthy environment. And once your home develops mold, it can be difficult and costly to correct. A correctly sized AC/heating system allows water vapor to be adequately removed, maintaining a dry and cool environment in the home. Improper HVAC...

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How to Fix an AC That Won’t Turn Off

April 20, 2019

Usually, having an AC that runs is a good thing. However, when it never turns off, you can end up with a freezing cold home and excessive utility bills. If your AC unit will not stop running, then follow these tips to address the issue. Look at Your Thermostat The very first thing you should do is take a look at the thermostat. The problem might be as simple as a button that was accidentally pressed. To see if this is the issue, put your thermostat at a temperature above the current room temperature. Wait a moment to see if the system switches off. Check Your Fan Limit Switch This is another thing to consider before you assume your AC unit is broken. Most AC units will have a fan limit switch by the blower that is meant to let you run the fan without having to mess with the thermostat. Switch the fan limit to “auto” so it is not manually overriding the thermostat and continuing to blow all the time. Clean Your Condenser Sometimes, the problem is that your condenser is too dirty to disperse heat. Therefore, the AC runs without accomplishing anything. Cleaning the coils can be...

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Explaining the Differences Between HVAC and AC

April 9, 2019

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. AC is a general term used to refer to any air conditioner, including the air conditioner in an HVAC system. Do you know what kind of AC equipment is installed in your home? What Does an HVAC System Look Like? Many companies such as in Gonzales refer to complete HVAC systems as packaged products. You’ll also hear these products referred to as central heating and cooling units. A single, or central, the thermostat is used to manage the operation of both a heater and an AC compressor. In addition, all air, whether hot or cold, is pushed through a duct system that runs throughout the home. The air exits through a series of vents placed in each room. Each vent can be adjusted to direct air up, down, or out into the environment. Do You Have a Standalone AC Unit? Most people are familiar with window units that contain a cooler, blower, and compressor in one product. Ductless cooling units, which are different than window units, are installed to cool single rooms without a ventilation system. Unlike the large AC compressors you see outside many homes, each ductless product requires a separate...

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3 Reasons to Get Professional Heating Help

March 19, 2019

When there’s a problem with your heating system, you don’t want to risk your family’s safety by trying to fix the issue by yourself. A professional heating service company can help keep your system working efficiently throughout the year. Here are a few reasons you need to contact a dependable heating company for all your heating needs. 1. Help You Save Money Yes, it does cost money for a professional service to come into your home for an inspection. However, in the long run, you will be saving money with your heating system. If you choose to ignore problems, you may be setting yourself up for more serious issues with your unit. Small problems can turn into major issues that end up costing you more money. That’s why you need to contact a professional company if you are experiencing any type of issue. 2. Keep Your Home Warm and Comfortable You don’t want to spend a cold winter without a properly working system. If your heating system is damaged, you run the risk of shivering all season long. A professional heating company can help you with other issues besides repair services. Heat can be lost through improperly sealed windows and...

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Choose the Best Heating Company for Your Home

March 1, 2019

When you need to find a heating company, the options may seem plentiful. However, you want to find a company that will fix your problem in a timely and professional matter. If you don’t find the right company, you could be throwing money away on unnecessary repairs. The best company will help you save money and time on your next heating system repair bill. Here are a few options for choosing the right company for your home. Always Research Research is very important when finding the best company. You can find online review sites all over the internet. You want to choose a company with an A or better rating from the Better Business Bureau. Friends and family are great resources to get recommendations for a heating company. If you need a reputable company, make sure to contact today. Choose a Certified Company The best heating companies will have a team of trained and experienced technicians. You want to find technicians with EPA, NATE or Diamond certifications. At the very least, make sure the company employs bonded, licensed and insured technicians. The company should have a professional license as well. This shows you that they are certified to work in...

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Can You Recycle Your Furnace Filters?

January 5, 2019

Living in Guadalupe County requires you to have a working furnace all the time. It will be difficult to spend time in your house if you cannot heat it. This situation is likely to be more important during winter. However, there are times when you have to replace your furnace filters but you do not have enough money to buy new ones. Why not try recycling the filters instead? When You Should Change the Air Filters If you talk to any professional, they will tell you that you should replace furnace filters after every three months. They presume that after that duration, the filters will have sucked up a lot of dust and other particles and therefore, they are likely to clog. When clogging occurs, there is the danger that the furnace will not work optimally. It may develop other faults because of the clogged filters. The question still remains whether you should recycle the filters. Recycle or Replace Furnace Air Filters? Typically, the choice of whether you should replace or recycle depends on the kinds of furnace filters that you use. You will notice that when you go to buy these items, you will find a variety. The disposable...

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Warning Signs You Need Furnace Repair

December 19, 2018

If you’ve put off your routine maintenance or missed an annual inspection, furnace problems can be dangerous if not fatal. Serving south central Texas, our goals at GVEC Air & Heating are to identify the potential hazards and keep your family and home safe. It’s not easy to spot furnace issues, but if you notice changes in its performance, it may be a warning sign. Two common problems that even a novice can detect are higher energy bills and noise. If your monthly bills are running higher now than it did in past seasons, your furnace may have internal malfunctions or need some maintenance. Dirty ducts can block the airflow and cause unusual sounds like banging or knocking. In either case, you need a professional for this job. Hazardous Warnings Odors from the furnace are severe warning signs. Dusty smells mean dust or other particles have gotten into the furnace’s combustion chamber. If the furnace is relatively new, it may be easy to repair. If you smell rotten eggs, shut off the furnace immediately and call a qualified technician. You have a gas leak. Overheating Most furnaces have automatic default settings that turn it off to prevent overheating. The industry...

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How to Save Money on Heating Bills this Winter

December 10, 2018

You need to stay warm during the cold winter months but doing so can be a strain on any budget. By taking action and making a few minor adjustments, you can stay comfortable and save money on your heating bills this year. Insulate One of the best ways to prevent the cold air from entering is to make sure your insulation, especially in the attic and basement, is working well. Replace any old insulation for a greater seal. Fill Cracks Window frames, around doors, and around light fixtures are areas where the cold air can find its way into your home without being easily noticed. Make sure to go through your home and seal all these areas to keep the warm air in and the cold air outside where it belongs. Adjust Thermostat Your home doesn’t have to be livable warm at all times. Close off heating vents in rooms that don’t get regular use, such as guest bedrooms and turn the thermostat down to 60 or 65 degrees at times when nobody is at home or at night when blankets keep you warmer. If you invest in a programmable thermostat, you can time it so that the house warms...

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Should I Turn My Furnace Off When on Vacation?

November 8, 2018

A furnace is a very important appliance that will help to make sure that your home is safe and warm during the cold winter months. If you own a furnace, one important decision you will have to make is whether or not to turn it off when you leave for vacation. Many people consider turning their furnaces off during the winter months because they would like to save money on utilities and out of safety concerns. However, there are a variety of reasons why you should keep your furnace on during the winter. Prevents Frozen Pipes During the cold winter months, one of the worst things that could happen to your home would be if the pipes in your property freeze. To prevent your pipes from freezing, you should make sure that your home is warm at all times. Ideally, this will mean making sure that your home is at least 66 degrees even when you are not at your property. Pet Safety Concerns Have any pets in your home, you also want to make sure that they are comfortable while you are away. If you are going to have any pets in your home at any time, you will...

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What to Look for in a Heating Repair Company

October 12, 2018

When something goes wrong with the heating and cooling unit in the home, many people are wondering what to do next. Most people take their home HVAC units for granted and do not think about where they can go for help when something breaks. There are many different HVAC companies to choose from and people could have trouble figuring out where to turn to for help. What are some of the characteristics that people should look for in their heating repair company? There are a few different factors that everyone should keep in mind. Timeliness of Customer Service When something goes wrong in the home, it is an emergency. People depend on their HVAC units to keep them comfortable during the blistering summer months and the freezing winter months. Therefore, they should look for a company that will respond quickly to customer concerns and repairs any issues with the machines as quickly as possible. How quickly does the company respond to concerns? The Latest Units Available Next, everyone needs to find a furnace repair company that takes the time and energy to invest in the latest technology available on the open market. There are new units coming out all the...

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