Benefits of Upgrading Your AC Unit

August 16, 2021

When it comes to upgrading your old air conditioning unit, you may be hesitant about doing so. The thought of purchasing a new system can seem very intimidating. Fortunately, understanding the various benefits associated with upgrading your existing system can help make the decision much easier for you. More Efficiency Newer AC/heating systems are more energy-efficient than older models. If you have an aging air conditioning system between 10- to 15-years old, you may be using more energy than you need to. Upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient model, can help you use less energy, which means lower energy bills for you to pay. Latest Technology One of the biggest benefits you can enjoy from a new HVAC system is having the latest technology at your fingertips. Many newer systems come with smart thermostats that can track your energy usage and make suggestions for lowering your electricity bills. You can even connect to them via your smartphone, so you can control your home’s air conditioning system from anywhere. Even if it’s not time to replace your unit yet, you may still be able to upgrade to a smart thermostat, such as a Nest® Learning Thermostat or the Ecobee smart thermostat...

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Why You Need a Free Home Energy Audit from GVEC

August 15, 2019

Many variables can impact how comfortable and efficient your house is. A free home energy audit for GVEC members can help detect an array of unnoticeable problems. These problems can include air leaks or other issues that you may not notice just by looking at your electric bill. Audit Your Home’s Drafts and Leaks There are many places in a home where air leaks can occur. For instance, cold or hot air may make its ways into your house through a gap in a window or door frame. In some cases, conditioned air can seep from your home’s ducts and into the attic. Such leaks can have a significant impact on your heating and cooling bill but are usually easy to fix; they can be tricky to find, though. A home energy audit with a GVEC energy solutions specialist can identify such leaks and put a stop to them. Does Your Home Need New or Additional Insulation? While insulation can last for decades, it generally becomes less effective over time and does have a limited useful lifespan. If you live in an older home, it may be necessary to replace degraded insulation or to add additional insulation to what’s already...

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Three Common Signs You May Need to Replace Your AC

June 1, 2019

Symptoms of an Ailing AC During the height of summer here in South Central Texas, there are days when your AC runs almost nonstop to keep up. This makes it a critical appliance for your family’s health and wellbeing. AC systems last, on average, between 10 and 15 years. After that, you’ll probably need to start thinking about a replacement. Here are a few common signs that it might time to replace your AC. 1. Rising Energy Bills It’s normal for your electric bill to rise as you begin using the AC more often during spring and summer; however, the increase shouldn’t be much higher than the annual costs in prior seasons. AC systems can become gradually less efficient as they age. This could be due to the age of individual parts, or it could result from undetected mechanical issues. Whatever the reason, this loss of efficiency causes your AC to use more energy in cooling your home than it did when it was new. There will come a point when you’ll need to decide between continuing to invest in an old system or purchasing a new, more efficient model. A new unit will instantly save money on energy bills...

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