Just like you need to take your car in to the shop for regular tune-ups, such as oil changes or checking out potential issues, your home comfort system should get the same kind of attention. Routine maintenance by a trained technician provides a variety of benefits to your HVAC equipment, which can help your systems perform efficiently and prevent costly breakdowns.
Reach out to Marcos AC & Heating at 713-469-3357 to get a comprehensive quote on replacement equipment.
Two-stage heating permits the furnace to heat at two levels of output: high for cold winter days and low for mild ones. About 80 percent of the time, your homes heating requirements can be met when the furnace is left on the low setting, permitting your two-stage unit to work for longer periods of time. Two-stage units also give more even heat distribution, fewer temperature swings, quiet operation, improved air filtration and energy efficiency.
Marcos AC & Heating has a selection of brands and models that are more efficient than ever and make it easier to find the best match for your home. There are innovative systems that make heating or cooling your home more automatic, running similar to cruise control to make minor adjustments to help meet your comfort demands with energy efficiency. Give us a call at 713-469-3357 to learn more about the technology we carry.
Depending on how old your previous furnace was, you could experience a variety of differences. Furnaces today are created to offer more even and efficient heating than ever before. Modern furnaces also better regulate temperature and air flow, moving more air over the heat exchanger than older furnaces.
Additionally, new furnaces are designed to integrate with other high-efficiency HVAC products, such as air conditioners. The air conditioner blowers provide your heating system an extra boost so it can deliver cool air around your home efficiently. Special features like variable speed motors will also help lessen noise associated with operating your equipment and easily meet your family's airflow needs.
The Department of Energy recently boosted the minimum efficiency levels for air conditioners, heat pumps and packaged units made after Jan. 1, 2015, since heating and cooling contributes significantly to a homes total energy usage. The requirements vary by region, so call Marcos AC & Heating for the efficiency standards for Houston.
Marcos AC & Heating carries a number of HVAC products with high-efficiency ratings, which can help lower the amount of energy they require to run. Aside from selecting products that have received Energy Star® certification or achieved high SEER ratings for air conditioners or AFUE ratings for furnaces, you can consider the following:
- Making certain that your system receives routine maintenance by a trained professional can keep your system operating at its top performance.
- Zoning systems enable you to heat or cool only specific areas of your home, so you wont have to pay to heat or cool spaces that aren't used.
- Using a programmable thermostat allows you to set the temperature in your home around your schedule. They can be programmed to give you the comfort you desire when you're home and increase or decrease the temperature while you're not around, helping you save on energy bills.
Marcos AC & Heating is well-known in the Houston area and you can trust them to provide quality home comfort products. We carry a variety of innovative and high-quality products. We are dedicated to offering customers high-quality service and will make sure you find the appropriate solution for your home.
Improving your home's indoor air quality starts with four basic strategies:
- Poor indoor air quality leaves your home filled with air pollutants floating around. So, to enhance IAQ, the first step is to get rid of as many pollutants as possible. You can easily do this by cleaning and vacuuming at least weekly, frequently washing linens and storing cleaning products safely.
- Proper insulation is good for keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, but it also makes it challenging for airborne pollutants to escape. We have products that help swap stale air for fresh, filtered outside air.
- Good ventilation and regular cleaning are a start, but air filters, germicidal lights and purification systems take your IAQ to the next level by capturing microscopic particles, killing germs and removing particles while destroying chemical vapors.
- Programmable thermostats will help control the humidity levels and temperature to help prevent particles and germs from building up while also keeping your home comfortable.
We advise that you meet with one of the technicians at Marcos AC & Heating and have them perform an evaluation of your home and current indoor comfort system. We can help you decide which equipment will be best suited to meet your needs.
Most homeowners believe that air conditioners make the air in your home cooler, but it actually removes the heat from your home, sending the hot air outside. That hot air goes across a cold indoor coil where refrigerant in the lines sends the heat to the coil in your outdoor unit, releasing the hot air outside. This process continues until the indoor temperature reaches the desired level that you set on your thermostat.
Due to the amount of energy used by heating and cooling systems, the Department of Energy (DOE) raised the minimum efficiency levels for air conditioners, heat pumps and packaged units manufactured after January 1, 2015. These levels are determined by region and carry varying requirements based on your location. Marcos AC & Heating can answer any questions you may have regarding these minimum requirements and let you know what choices are available when you're searching for a replacement system.
These numbers can be found on a nameplate or sticker that is near your systems service panel. The sticker should be white with black letters and have both of these numbers located around the top of the sticker. M/N denotes model number while S/N is your serial number.
There are a few ways to determine what size system is the best fit for your home, but the most reliable way to choose a system is by having your local Marcos AC & Heating technician come out and perform a load calculation. This calculation considers your homes: square footage, insulation value, amount of insulation, and a number of other factors.
The short answer is Yes. Dirt and other debris can inhibit your systems ability to work efficiently. For heat pumps, it is normal to have frost or ice on them during the winter, but they also include defrost controls to ensure they work efficiently in that type of weather.
Two-stage cooling means that your cooling unit has two levels of operation. When summer is its warmest, the high setting starts up, and when its cooler or more mild, the low setting gets the job done.
Typically, the lower setting is able to take care of your cooling needs, but even when the high setting is in use, you may not realize it because it can produce such even temperatures for your comfort. This may also mean a quieter cooling system, greater efficiency and enhanced humidity control.
When your cooling unit freezes up, there are a variety of reasons why it could be doing so. The most typical reasons include: dirty filters, low refrigerant, a dirty evaporative coil and a faulty blower motor or relay.
A dirty filter is something you can fix as a homeowner, but the others need to be fixed by a professional like those at Marcos AC & Heating. Contact them at 713-469-3357 with any other questions.
Picking the best thermostat for your cooling system comes with a lot of considerations. Thats why its nice to have such a wide variety of choices from Marcos AC & Heating. Whether you're searching for a programmable or non-programmable thermostat or want to join the smart home trend, there are a number of thermostats that you have to choose from. Some thermostats will depend on what type of heating and cooling system you have, but the experts at Marcos AC & Heating will be able to help determine what options meet your needs and your budget.
Heat pumps can be a little confusing due to their name, but they actually meet both your heating and cooling needs all year. When its hot outside it runs like an air conditioner in that it removes heat from your home, but when it cools off, the process gets reversed and it collects heat from outside and brings it inside. Heat pumps are also very efficient, and could produce up to two or three times more heat than the energy it uses.
Of course we think you should also replace your indoor system, but this is why:
- All outdoor cooling systems have a matching indoor unit that they are intended to work with to ensure efficient performance. When they aren't paired with the other part as a total system, efficiency can be diminished.
- As with a lot of products, advancements have brought about newer, more efficient ways of doing things. Heating and cooling systems are no different. These improvements most importantly include greater heating and cooling efficiency, but also consist of improved air handling, filtering and noise pollution reduction to name a few.
- Heating and cooling systems that are more than 10-15 years old normally need to be replaced. Not only do they feature outdated technology, but they are also less efficient than more recent models. Adding a new indoor unit at the same time means you'll have a matched system to provide you with better comfort and efficiency for years to come.
The communication module on your home energy system may send the system's performance records for each module to a website. You can visit this website to learn more about the system's status, energy production and environmental benefits. The site also shares carbon offsets as it happens.
In most areas, rain will clean the solar modules off automatically. If you live in a dusty or industrial area, periodically spraying the modules with water could help improve performance. However, detergents and high-pressure hoses should never be used to rinse solar modules.
The best thermostat for you depends on your heating and cooling equipment. Marcos AC & Heating sells programmable and nonprogrammable thermostats that can help improve the efficiency of your HVAC systems. Check out our available products or contact us at 713-469-3357 to learn more.
Heating and cooling can make up a large part of your utility bill. The innovative and high-efficiency heating and air conditioning products available from Marcos AC & Heating can help decrease these costs. If you're looking for a new heating or cooling system, look for products with high SEER ratings for air conditioners and AFUE ratings for furnaces. SEER and AFUE are a measure of system efficiency, and the larger the number, the more efficient the product. Besides purchasing a new home comfort system, think about these additional factors:
- Is your system typically maintained? Whether it's a furnace or air conditioner, HVAC systems will run more efficiently after regular maintenance checks.
- Do you need a zoning system? If there are spaces in your home that are rarely used, a zoning system will allow you to heat or cool only the most used areas of your house.
- Does your home have a programmable or smart thermostat? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, programmable thermostats may lower your heating costs by up to 35 percent, and your cooling costs by up to 25 percent.
Zoning equipment gives you the ability to section off areas of your residence and control the temperature differently in each part of your home. Zoning equipment is good for when you have spaces of your residence that are rarely used or when you and your family are constantly in disagreement of what the temperature in each area of your home should be. Zoning systems are quiet and efficient, allowing you more control over the comfort of your house. Find out more about the zoning equipment available from Marcos AC & Heating.
There are many reasons why your light bills may appear to be too expensive. In most cases, your air conditioning equipment may be the culprit. 60% of your home’s energy consumption is directly related to your air conditioning needs. Upgrading to a more efficient system will not only cut down your costs by up to 55% but it can also earn you a tax credit of up $1000.00!
However, replacing your existing equipment is not always the final answer. Your equipment may not be running at its full potential. Sometimes, all your system needs is a little tune-up! Give us a call and one of our qualified technicians will come to your home and perform a routine maintenance service to your system. Once we’re there, well make sure we teach you how to keep up with your system to allow it to run at top capacity all year long.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It’s a number that describes how well air-conditioning equipment works. A higher SEER means better efficiency and lower energy bills.
Think of SEER and air conditioning, the same way you do MPG (miles per gallon) when it comes to automobiles. The higher the MPG, the more economical the automobile and the same can be said for SEER and air conditioning systems.
Many people know that SEER ratings are important in selecting equipment. What most people don’t realize is that the HVAC contractor has a major role in making equipment perform up to its real capabilities in the home environment. Knowing the SEER F.A.C.T.S. can help!
The installation of your HVAC system is more important than the system itself. Purchasing high efficient equipment will NOT guarantee energy savings. Unfortunately, most contractors aren’t familiar with the proper installation methods to ensure that your equipment new or old is running at its maximum efficiency. If you have any concerns about the efficiency of your system, just give us a call and we’ll be more than happy to come out and leave your system running at its peak performance!
Making your system run more efficiently is simply a matter of performing routine maintenance on your system, the same you would on your car. When one of our qualified technicians comes out you service your system, he’ll make sure to go all over the SEER F.A.C.T.S. with you to make sure that your system is running as efficiently as possible. Not only will we work on your system, but also work with you and teach you everything you need to know to save money on your energy bills throughout the year.
Our Texas Air Conditioning License is registered with the state of Texas and the City of Houston as well as other municipalities in the greater Houston area. (License #TACLA26986E)
We are also fully insured for any residential, commercial or industrial works.
In most cases, it often cheaper to replace your air ducts than to have them cleaned. While some companies will offer duct cleaning as one of their services, your ducts will only be as clean as their equipment and experience allows them to be. According to the EPA, “If a service provider fails to follow proper duct cleaning procedures, duct cleaning can cause indoor air problems. For example, an inadequate vacuum collection system can release more dust, dirt, and other contaminants than if you had left the ducts alone. A careless or inadequately trained service provider can damage your ducts or heating and cooling system, possibly increasing your heating and air conditioning costs or forcing you to undertake difficult and costly repairs or replacements.” (epa.gov).
We strongly believe that if you are having concerns with the quality of the air in your home, that you either invest in a whole house filtration system, replace your air ducts for about the same cost as cleaning them, or combine the two options and enjoy the peace of mind that you and your family are breathing healthy air.
When replacing your air conditioner or heat pump, the answer is most likely yes. The efficiency ratings that are advertised for an air conditioner or heat pump are based on the performance as part of a matched system. If only the outdoor portion is changed, the efficiency and savings could be less than that of a matched system.
For most people, the decision is made once the system is no longer working at all and is no longer repairable. However, many people are discovering that their HVAC system is not as efficient as they would have liked and are searching for equipment that will help them save on ever rising electric bills. Today’s systems are much more efficient than those that were manufactured as recently as 5 years ago. The energy savings of a new unit or system may provide an attractive return on your investment. More efficient systems coupled with today’s rising energy prices, make upgrading your HVAC equipment a smart financial decision for the future of your home.
There are many factors to consider when coming up with the cost of new HVAC unit or system, such as the size of your home, the level of efficiency of the new system (SEER), the condition of your existing equipment and ductwork, and whether or not you are in need of other accessories such as a whole house air cleaner or a thermostat. No two people are alike, and therefore we do not offer “cookie cutter” solutions to every problem. We will work with you to engineer a system that is tailor made for YOUR needs. We will also work within your financial goals and find the right system for you. Once we have done so, we are prepared to offer a variety of financing options to ensure that we are meeting not only your comfort needs but your budgetary needs as well.
Again, many factors must be considered before making such an investment in your home. Part of engineering the proper solution to your comfort needs is providing a heat load calculation specifically for your home. This entails proper measurement and analysis of your home, windows; insulation etc. so that the installer knows exactly how much cooling capacity and efficiency is needed to meet comfort demands in the home. For those customers who suffer from allergies, sinus headaches or congestion, we will also provide the proper filtration system to greatly reduce and sometimes eliminate these problems in your live forever! Once we know what your needs are, we will take you through the different options step by step until you are secure in the decision you will make.
Other than the installation of the new system, we will inspect all equipment that pertains to the proper function of your HVAC system which would include your ductwork, insulation, refrigerant piping, electrical service, wiring, thermostat, condensate piping, flue piping, flue terminations, slabs, filter(s), driers, registers, grills, drain pans, etc. Once the new system has been installed all of your old equipment will be disposed of. This is usually done within a few hours and we work extremely hard to ensure that no debris is left behind after the completion of the job.
If you have a qualified technician perform regular preventative maintenance and service to your system, industry averages suggest that an air conditioner should last 12-15 years (sea coast applications may be less) and a gas furnace should last as many as 20-25 years.
If didn’t have your system inspected before you purchased the home or you haven’t serviced it since, you should do so immediately. Odds are, the system may be an older one and may not have been properly maintained (the life span of these systems is less than 10 years). Much like our own bodies, your HVAC system must be maintained to ensure that it is performing at its peak efficiency and will last you for years to come.
With the proper attention, heating and cooling systems can keep you comfortable throughout the year. A close inspection of your condensing system will uncover leaks, soot, rust, rot, corroded electrical contacts, frayed wires, and inspection of the compressor, fan, indoor and outdoor coils and refrigerant lines, as well as a thorough inspection of your evaporator coil. The outdoor coils should be cleaned and the refrigerant pressures (Freon) should be checked. In furnace systems, the inspection should also cover the flue pipe, ductwork or pipes, dampers, gas valves, blower motors, registers and gas lines. Next, the system should be run through a full heating cycle to ensure that it has plenty of combustion air and chimney draft. Finally, cleaning the burner and heat exchanger to remove soot and other gunk will prevent such buildup from impeding smooth operation.
Sure. Just give us a call and we will be more than happy to assist you in finding the right solution for your situation.
This can be attributed to a variety of causes. For starters, your system’s thermostat may not be reading the temperature in home correctly and is causing your HVAC system to turn off before it reaches your desired setting. You may also have leaks in it’s duct work which is causing you to cool your attic space rather than your living room. There are many other reasons that may fit your scenario and to pinpoint the problem, one of our certified technicians will come out and fully inspect your system and help you resolve this issue.
Every 30-60 days depending on certain factors: Pets, the number of people in the home, type of flooring (tile/hardwood or carpet).
Pleated air filters are the best temporary filters that you can use to protect your system and insure the air quality in your home. These filters typically block 40% of all the dust in your home from making it into your ductwork, evaporator coil and blower motor which can save you thousands of dollars in unnecessary future repairs. These filters can be pricey if bought at your local hardware store (they range between $8 and $12), which is why we offer our customers the same filters at cost.
This is usually due to the type of filters that you are using and the time span between filter changes. However, it could also be due to leaks in your duct system which is causing the dusty air in your attic to be circulated throughout your home.