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Do Space Heaters Use a Lot of Electricity?
With winter upon us, many can feel the chill creeping in. How do we heat our space without raising our energy bill? Space heaters are a popular solution, as many are small enough to be placed in offices or powerful enough to heat an entire room. But how much electricity do they use, and are …
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Read MoreAre Heat Pumps Good for Texas Homes?
In our experience, heat pumps are the perfect solution for homes in hotter states like Texas. Because our Texas weather tends to stay warmer than most other states, some homeowners might not want to invest in a separate heating system. Fortunately, a heat pump can both heat and cool your Texas home. How Do Heat Pumps …
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Read MoreFurnace Won’t Shut Off? Steps To Take To Fix Your Furnace
It can be frustrating and worrisome when your furnace won’t shut off. A continuously running furnace increases energy bills and can signal underlying issues that may worsen if not addressed. Let’s look at common reasons for a furnace that won’t turn off and troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the issue. Understanding Why Your Furnace …
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Read MoreShould You Close HVAC Vents in Unused Rooms? What You Need To Know
You may have been told that closing HVAC vents in unused rooms is best practice, but unfortunately, this is a common myth. Keeping air vents closed can cause many issues, including the possibility of damaging your HVAC system. In this blog post, we’ll explain why closing your HVAC vents can be harmful and what you …
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Read MoreIs Water Dripping From My Air Conditioner Dangerous?
It’s a hot summer day in San Marcos, and your air conditioner is working overtime to keep your home cool. But then, you notice something alarming — water dripping from your AC unit. Is this normal? Should you be worried? While an air conditioner leaking water may seem like a minor issue, it could indicate …
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Read More7 Reasons Your AC Isn’t Blowing Warm Air and How To Troubleshoot
Facing a hot and uncomfortable home because your AC isn’t working? Don’t panic — we’re here to unravel the mysteries of your malfunctioning AC. Join us on this cool journey as we explore common AC issues and provide you with knowledge to troubleshoot like a pro. Common reasons why AC units malfunction include dirty air filters, …
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Read MoreWhy Is My AC Short-Cycling? Common Causes & Solutions
Short-cycling happens when your air conditioner is turning on and off more often than it should. This indicates that your unit is shutting off before it should and restarting shortly after, meaning your AC isn’t going through complete cooling cycles. Short-cycling can happen for several reasons, but it can also lead to problems with your …
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Read MoreSigns of a Freon Leak
Freon is the commercial name for the refrigerant used in air conditioners. It’s a key component in ensuring that your cooling system is working and running smoothly. A leak in Freon can cause your system to stop working, and if you encounter it or inhale it, negatively affect the health of you and your family. …
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Read MoreShould My HVAC Fan Be Running All the Time?
Maintaining a comfortable home environment is crucial during San Marcos’ temperature extremes. While you most likely know that an efficient HVAC system, proper insulation, and a smart thermostat can help you stay comfortable inside, you might not be aware of a simple technique that can make a big difference: allowing your HVAC system’s fan to …
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Read MoreWhat Is the Lifespan of a Residential Heat Pump?
Heat pumps are gaining in popularity, leaving many homeowners with questions about these innovative HVAC systems. As both a heat source and an air conditioner, a heat pump offers an efficient alternative to traditional separate HVAC systems. Given their higher initial investment, you may be curious about their lifespan and long-term value. Understanding how long …
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Read MoreSigns You Need an HVAC Tune-Up or Maintenance Service
When Was Your Last HVAC Tune-Up or Maintenance Check? Did you know that you could be saving on your energy bill while also extending the lifespan of your HVAC system, all with some minor maintenance? At SM Air, we recommend having your HVAC checked twice a year. In the early spring, you should ensure that …
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Read MoreWhat Are Common Signs of a Malfunctioning Furnace?
Winter’s chill demands a reliable heating system to keep your home cozy and comfortable. But what happens when your furnace, the core of your home’s heating, starts to show signs of wear or even malfunction? Being vigilant about your furnace’s condition is essential for safety and comfort. Having been a trusted HVAC authority in the …
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Read MorePrep Your HVAC for Winter: Essential Tips To Ensure Warmth & Efficiency
While Texas winters might not bring a snow-blanketed landscape, the drop in temperature is a clear sign to transition from cooling to heating. Before you cozy up with hot cocoa and start your holiday countdown, remember the cornerstone of your home’s warmth — your HVAC system. Beyond routine checkups, specific winter adjustments are key to …
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Read MoreThe Energy-Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit Explained
Most homeowners realize that investing in sustainable energy is a worthwhile choice, not only to reduce energy expenses but to secure a brighter, greener future. Still, high-efficiency HVAC systems can be expensive, making it difficult for many homeowners to cover installation costs. That’s where the Energy-Efficient Home Improvement tax credit comes to the rescue. Through …
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Read MoreWhat Is Ductwork in an HVAC System?
When we think about maintaining a pleasant temperature within our homes, our minds typically wander to the more visible aspects – the air conditioning unit, the thermostats, and the vents. However, there’s an equally essential, albeit less noticeable, component that’s integral to your comfort – the ductwork. So, what exactly is ductwork, and why does …
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Read MoreWhat Is an AC Condenser?
As the summer months blaze, our homes become an oasis of cool and comfort. But what creates this refuge from the scorching temperatures outdoors? It’s none other than a critical player in your home’s air conditioning system: the AC condenser. The AC Condenser: Heart of Your Home’s Cooling System Often perceived as the powerhouse of …
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Read MoreWhat Are the Different Options for a Home AC System?
Summers evoke images of radiant beach days, inviting backyard BBQs, and most importantly, the desire for a cool, comforting home environment. This is where your faithful air conditioner swoops in! But with an array of choices at your disposal, you might find yourself asking, “What are the diverse types of air conditioners for home use?” …
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Read MoreWhat Is a Whole-House Air Filtration System?
Demystifying the Whole-House Air Filtration System: Your Key to Improved Indoor Air Quality Imagine living in an environment where the air you breathe is up to five times more polluted than the outdoor air. Sounds alarming, doesn’t it? Yet, this is the reality for many households, as revealed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). From …
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Read MoreWhat Are the Benefits of a Smart Thermostat?
Smart Thermostats: Ushering in a New Era of Home Comfort and Energy Efficiency In today’s era of technological revolution, smart thermostats are steadily becoming an integral part of contemporary households. But what precisely lends them their “smartness,” and how do they benefit you and your family? Let’s delve into the world of smart thermostats and …
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Read MoreHow Can REME HALO Improve My Indoor Air Quality?
Did you know the air in your home is likely 5 times more polluted than outside air? Since you spend up to 90% of your time indoors, it’s important to consider how poor indoor air quality could impact your family’s health. One of the best ways to improve indoor air quality is to install an award-winning REME …
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Read MoreImprove Furnace Performance — Clean Your Heat Exchanger
September to December is the ideal time to get your furnace tuned up in Texas, as this is when temperatures start to drop, and you need your heating system running at its most efficient. Learn DIY tips to improve furnace performance and the importance of cleaning heat exchanger tubes. DIY Furnace Maintenance: How To Clean …
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Read MoreWhy Are My AC Coils Frozen?
Frozen air conditioner coils will do anything but help you chill out. When your evaporator coils freeze up, it’s a sign that your air conditioner isn’t functioning correctly and requires your attention. Depending on the cause of the problem, you may need to schedule an air conditioner service so a qualified HVAC technician can accurately …
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Read MoreWhen Should I Replace My AC in Texas?
Air conditioning is all but necessary with the brutal heat of a Texas summer. Typically, the average life of an air conditioner is anywhere between 12 and 15 years, though some models will last over 20. Here in the San Marcos area, we have a relatively long cooling season that is quite taxing to air …
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Read MoreWhy Won’t My AC Turn On?
Restarting an air conditioner or heat pump when it doesn’t respond to the thermostat can restore comfort to an increasingly warm home. Sometimes A/C systems stop when parts fail, while other times it’s an interruption in the power supply that prevents them from starting. Troubleshoot the Thermostat The thermostat controls when the air conditioner turns …
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