How Well Does an HVAC Air Filter Work Compared to an Add-On Filtration System?

May 26, 2022

The air inside of the average home is filled with a huge number of allergens, contaminants, and pollutants. Therefore, the one of best ways to overcome these indoor air quality issues is to install a whole-home air filtration system. Many people wrongly believe that they don’t need a separate filtration system since their HVAC system already has its own air filter. However, as you will soon see, there’s a huge difference between a standard HVAC air filter and an actual filtration system. What Does an HVAC Air Filter do An HVAC air filter serves one primary purpose, and that is to keep dirt, dust, and debris from getting inside of your HVAC equipment and potentially damaging it. Unless you use a more expensive, more efficient air filter, it won’t really have any impact on the air quality inside of your space. This is because most standard air filters can only trap large particles like dirt and dust. This means they don’t do much of anything to trap allergens or the various airborne chemical contaminants found in many residential and commercial properties. Understanding Filter Ratings Air filters are usually rated using the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) scale, which measures how...

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Is the MicroPure Total Home Active Air Purifier a Good Investment?

May 26, 2022

The MicroPure® Total Home Active Air Purifier is a state-of-the-art home cleaner based on a patented NASA-developed photocatalytic ionic oxidation technology. The purifier attaches to your ductwork and works closely with your HVAC to eliminate dust, contaminants, viruses, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and odors from your indoor air. It works by generating a haze of “ionic scrubbers” pushed into your home through the ductwork to clean all pollutants safely and efficiently on surfaces and in the air. Installing this whole home purifier can benefit your home in many ways. Powerful Air Purification Technology MicroPure utilizes broad-spectrum UV light and powerful oxidizers that react to form nontoxic seeker-destroyer compounds that kill pathogens and contaminants. NASA developed the proprietary technology, and its goal is to offer fast and efficient indoor air cleansing. Known as ionic scrubbers, the compounds are potent enough to permeate indoor air and zap VOCs, bacteria, mildew and viruses. Once installed, MicroPure can boost your home’s indoor air quality and save you from pollutant-caused allergies and illnesses. Improves Efficiency of Your HVAC System By eliminating contaminants from the air introduced into your home, the purifier can help boost your HVAC’s reliability and energy-efficiency level. The purifier helps prevent air...

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Four Easy HVAC Maintenance Tips You Can Do Yourself

April 20, 2022

AC/heating systems are a major investment in your home, and taking care of yours should be a priority. You can help it last longer and perform properly by following these five easy HVAC maintenance tips. 1. Check the Air Filter Regularly The air filter for your HVAC system helps keep dust and debris away from critical parts. When the air filter becomes too dirty, it reduces airflow and causes your unit to work harder than it needs to. check your air filter once a month and replace it if it appears dirty or every three months, whichever comes first. 2. Examine Your Thermostat You should look at your thermostat every few months to ensure it’s working properly. Check the switches to make sure the fan is set to “AUTO” and the “COOL” setting is on. If you have an old thermostat, you may consider replacing it with an energy-efficient programmable or smart thermostat. The team at can upgrade your thermostat. We install and service Nest® along with other brands of Wi-Fi enabled thermostats! 3. Clean the Outdoor Condenser Unit As the condenser unit is outdoors, a lot of dirt and debris can build up on it. This makes it difficult...

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How Long Can I Expect My AC or Heating System to Last?

April 10, 2022

Heating and cooling systems are an investment, so it’s understandable that you want the one in your home to hold up as long as possible. The number of years you can expect your system to last depends on what type of system it is and whether it is properly maintained. Furnaces If your home has a gas furnace, you can expect it to last for 10 to 20 years with proper maintenance. It’s usually when the heat exchanger cracks that a furnace needs to be replaced. The heat exchanger, which prevents carbon monoxide from getting into your home, is very expensive to replace, so replacement is often the better option. Air Conditioners You can expect 10 to 20 years of life from your air conditioner. They are usually replaced when the condenser or compressor fails. If you live in a coastal area, you will likely get a lesser lifespan from your unit. , serving Gonzales, TX, replaces air conditioners, heaters and complete HVAC systems throughout the surrounding areas. We are a Bryant and Champion dealer but can service all makes and models. Heat Pumps Heat pumps average between 10 and 20 years of life. Heat pumps work to both heat...

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7 Things to Expect From New AC/Heating Installation Service

March 24, 2022

The hot summers and cool winters in the Gonzalez and Cuero areas mean you need year-round reliable indoor climate control. If your AC/heating system isn’t performing as well as it used to, don’t wait to replace it. You won’t regret it. Here are seven things to expect from the installation process. 1. Select Your New System After deciding to install a new HVAC system, you must decide which unit to buy. Many homeowners choose to go with the newest version of what they already have, but this isn’t always the best choice. Do yourself a favor and research all of your options. Today’s HVAC units run more efficiently than their older counterparts, but some deliver even better performance. Some homeowners might even consider a heat pump. Heat pumps work great in central Texas because of the cooler but usually mild winters, heating your home without needing to overwork. To decide which HVAC system works best for you, consider your budget and your heating and cooling needs, and then seek professional advice from qualified HVAC technicians at GVEC. 2. Get Ready for Install Day Once you select your new equipment and schedule the install date, you’ll need to get your house...

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When Should You Check or Replace Your Home’s Insulation?

March 15, 2022

Insulation is a critical part of keeping your home comfortable throughout the year and reducing the strain on your AC/heating system. However, once it’s installed, it can be easy to forget about, potentially leading to rising heating and cooling bills. Read on for information about how long your insulation should last, signs that you should check it, and what to know before replacing it. How Long Does Home Insulation Last? Under perfect conditions, home insulation can last up to 80 years or more. However, most homes do not have perfect conditions, meaning you should have it inspected, added to or replaced, depending on the condition it’s in. The type of insulation you install will also determine how long it will last. The two most common forms of residential insulation are fiberglass (which comes in batting, loose-fill, and blow-in options) and spray foam. Spray foam insulation is more resilient and energy efficient. It’s water-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about it retaining moisture and molding. However, it is not resistant to animals or damage from construction. Fiberglass, on the other hand, comes in rolls, or you can get bags that you can lay out. You can also have it blown...

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What Is the Best Thermostat Temperature Setting?

February 18, 2022

Many families debate about the thermostat temperature setting. Someone is always cold while someone else is always warm. Then there’s the cost for heating and cooling to consider. While you may not be able to appease everyone’s individual temperature preferences, you can get guidance on how to run your system efficiently. Here are the industry recommendations for how to set your thermostat to keep nearly everyone comfortable without breaking the bank. Winter Temperature According to the Department of Energy, the ideal thermostat temperature setting in winter is 68 degrees Fahrenheit. This may seem a little cool to some, but it helps keep the utility bills from skyrocketing, especially during the unexpected freezes that occasionally blow through. Summer Temperature During summer, you’ll want to keep your temperature a little higher. The generally accepted rule is to set your thermostat to 78 degrees. If this seems too warm, try setting your thermostat to the highest setting you can comfortably stand. As you get used to that temperature, try raising it another degree or two until you get to as close to 78 degrees as you can. Improving Energy Efficiency To get the most from your heating and cooling system, you’ll want to...

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Should I Be Concerned About That Unusual Smell From My Home’s Vents?

February 4, 2022

When your air conditioning or heating system kicks on, you expect cool or warm air to flow from your vents. What you don’t expect is pungent, lingering odors to accompany that air. While some smells are normal and dissipate quickly, others could indicate there’s a problem in your system that needs attention. Understanding what some of these odors mean and what you should do if you smell them is important. A Burning Smell You may notice a slight burning smell when your heat first starts up after not being used for several months. This will usually dissipate quickly as the system warms up and burns off the dust it has collected. However, it can also indicate an internal problem, such as a blower motor going bad. If the smell is strong and doesn’t go away within a few minutes, shut down your system, and call for a repair technician to investigate. Musty Odor When you think of recognizing mold in areas of your home, you may assume you’ll notice green fuzzy spots growing here and there. However, just because you can’t see mold or mildew doesn’t mean it’s not there. If your HVAC system propels a musty odor when operating,...

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Five Tips to Stay Safe With Space Heaters

January 18, 2022

Winters are often not too cold for too long in Texas, but you still may need heat. Sometimes, space heaters are useful for small rooms, but you should know some safety tips. 1. Place the Heater Correctly The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that space heaters cause 25,000 injuries and house fires yearly. A general rule is to place the heater at least three feet from furniture and combustibles such as curtains and rugs. Keep the heater on a flat surface, and never lay anything on top of it to dry items. 2. Consider Safety Features The tip-over features prevent the heater from coming on if it’s not on a flat surface or cause them to switch off if they’re knocked over. New models come equipped with a thermostat that turns the heater on and off at a preset temperature. The overheat function detects when the components inside the heater are overheating and shuts it off. Look for heaters that have been tested and certified by nationally recognized testing laboratories, such as UL. 3. Only Plug It Into a Wall Outlet Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet designed to handle higher wattages, and it should be the...

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Four Signs Your Heating System Needs Repairs

January 4, 2022

Your heater can make your home cozy and comfortable year after year, especially if you provide it with regular maintenance. Otherwise, you may end up having a dreadful time during the winter. Repairing your heating system when the weather is already very cold isn’t something to look forward to. Watch out for the telltale signs your heater may be in trouble. It will help you avoid dealing with emergencies that are usually more costly than ordinary maintenance or repairs. Here are some of the potential indications your home heating system needs professional attention. 1. Higher-Than-Normal Utility Bills When your electricity bills are inexplicably high, one possible cause is an AC/heating system that is inefficient or malfunctioning. These systems can lose efficiency over time; therefore, scheduling regular maintenance and timely repairs and upgrades can help curb the potential for rising power costs. 2. Strange Noises From the System Strange rattling noises coming from your HVAC unit can be irritating, and they’re embarrassing when hosting guests. You need to have them checked out. Different sounds may indicate a problem that require the services of a professional technician. If you’re a resident of South Central Texas, get in touch with to sort out...

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