Making the transition to a household environment where the east Texas humidity is under your control is doable in a couple of ways. Portable room dehumidifiers are available at big box home centers or a whole-house dehumidifier can be installed in the return duct of your furnace by an HVAC technician.

Portability might seem like an advantage. You can transport the unit from room to room if desired, dehumidifying certain rooms while leaving others unconditioned. However, this strategy has a number of shortcomings.

Humidity is simply water vapor in the air. It is not easily contained in a specific room and tends to migrate into all living spaces. Attempting to dehumidify specific areas while leaving others unconditioned often produces unsatisfactory results as humidity travels anywhere vapor can penetrate. As it’s name implies, a whole house dehumidifier removes moisture from the entire residence, not just individual rooms. This is a more efficient strategy for controlling indoor humidity.

Not only are whole-house dehumidifiers better at addressing moisture throughout the home, but they also offer a number of additional benefits.

• Portable units take up space in rooms while whole-house units have zero footprint inside the home.
• Whole-house dehumidifiers are connected to the home’s drain line, so water drains away automatically. Moisture collected by portable room units must emptied by the user daily.
• No daily operational adjustments are required with the whole-house unit—it senses the moisture in the air and automatically removes humidity to the desired, preset level.
• While the energy efficiency of portable dehumidifiers varies by unit, utilizing a single, well-engineered whole house dehumidifier is certainly more efficient in dehumidifying the entire home than attempting to operate a number of individual portable room units.

Ben Maines Air Conditioning has kept residential environments in the greater east Texas area conditioned since 1949. Contact us for more advice on maintaining healthy, comfortable humidity levels in your home.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about dehumidifiers and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Ben Maines Air Conditioning services the Greater East Texas area. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Customer Service image via Shutterstock

How to allergy-proof your home

• Dry out moisture. One of the simplest ways to allergy-proof your home is to keep it dry and free of humidity. You can do this by using your A/C on warm days or by using the heater when it’s chilly. To help prevent mold or mildew growth in your home, keep it free of moisture, such as that produced by leaky pipes, or other types of water damage. Keep your home extra dry this spring by investing in a dehumidifier.
• Keep your home free of dust. Use a spray bottle to slightly dampen your cleaning rag so the dust particles you wipe away are less likely to get released back into the air. Keep the items that you don’t use often in labeled plastic bins with lids to help keep them dust-free.
• Live clutter-free. Clutter can become the ideal environment for mold, dust, pollen, insects and rodents. Follow the basic rule of putting items away after you use them.
• Replace the linens on your bed weekly. Microscopic dust mites are one type of pest that thrive in your climate zone and can introduce allergens into your home. Dust mites survive by feeding off the dead skin cells in your sheets.
• Clean your floors a couple of times per week. Rugs and carpets are great at trapping common allergy triggers, so be sure to vacuum after dusting your home. Use a damp mop to clean your hard, un-carpeted floors.

For more expert advice about how to allergy-proof your home, or if you have questions about other issues related to home comfort, please feel free to contact Ben Maines today. We’ve been serving the greater east Texas area since 1949.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about indoor air quality and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Ben Maines Air Conditioning services the Greater East Texas area. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

1. Longer system life – Regular maintenance on your system will prolong the life of your air conditioning unit by preventing major breakdowns. Checking the system for any wear on the pump, belts and other parts allows you to keep the system running at peak performance.
2. Consistent home comfort - Having your air conditioning system break down in the middle of the summer heat is something you want to avoid. The best way to keep the unit running is by conducting routine maintenance. This will keep your home comfortable even when it is hot outside.
3. Reduced repair costs – It will cost you less to replace a pump or A/C belt than it would to have to replace the entire unit because of severe damage. One of the benefits of air conditioner maintenance is being able to locate problems and repair them before they become larger issues.
4. Reduced energy costs - An air conditioner that runs efficiently costs less to operate than one that is having problems. When the unit is under stress from malfunctioning parts or worn belts, it takes more power to operate, costing you more on your energy bill.
5. Improved indoor air quality – Dirty components and clogged air filters are just some of the things that can cause poor air quality in your home, resulting in allergies and other breathing problems. Improved air quality is one of the best benefits of air conditioner maintenance.

Ben Maines Air Conditioning has been serving the greater East Texas area for over 60 years. Our certified technicians can help you to find ways to improve system performance and enhance comfort and indoor air quality by conducting regular air conditioning maintenance. For more details and information, contact us today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about air conditioner maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Ben Maines Air Conditioning services the Greater East Texas area. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Maintenance Man image via Shutterstock

Manufacture of cooling equipment that utilized R-22 has dwindled in recent years, with the last units produced in 2010. All air conditioners and heat pumps made today utilize the more environmentally safe R-410A Freon. Introduced over a decade ago, R-410A is chlorine-free so it has no impact on the ozone layer.

So how will the freon shortage impact your budget?

Consumers with aging R-22 systems can expect to take a hit to the budget. A freon recharge to nurse a leaky system through another summer will now cost more than three times what it did last year. Replacement of a faulty component like a coil may create a scenario where recharging the refrigerant is the most expensive part of the procedure—more than parts or labor.

Though some contractors have stockpiles, it’s not inconceivable that R-22 Freon shortages will render supplies unavailable at any price by summer’s end. One defensive strategy is to schedule any work on an old system now, before the dog days make R-22 extinct.

However, that approach begs the question: Is it financially viable to spend money repairing an outdated system that requires a soon-to-be-obsolete refrigerant? A new cooling system, using environmentally-friendly R-410A Freon, will have a longer warranty, operate more quietly and be much more energy-efficient than the technology of the past.

If your R-22 system’s still under warranty, there may be a case for keeping it running. However, once the warranty expires and you’re footing repair costs—including freon—upgrading to an efficient R-410A system makes financial sense.

At Ben Maines Air Conditioning, we’re ready to help Longview homeowners through another summer, whatever decision you make. Contact us for advice, sales and service any time of the year.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about freon shortages and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Ben Maines Air Conditioning services the Greater East Texas area. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

A furnace isn’t a “one size fits all” machine. Depending on the house you’re installing it in and your heating needs, the perfect furnace for you may look very different from the perfect furnace for your neighbor. This is where a consultation with a professional HVAC installer can help when considering a furnace upgrade. An HVAC installer will determine the correct size of furnace for your home based on factors like square footage, the layout and number of levels of your home, and insulation coverage. When you have an incorrectly-sized furnace, it raises your utility bills. A too-large furnace turns on and off frequently, while a too-small furnace works overtime. Both situations draw more power than a correctly-sized furnace would.

The quality of the furnace is another important factor in your purchasing decision. Professional HVAC contractors have worked with many different brands of furnace in selling and repairing HVAC equipment over the years. This gives them an expert perspective on which brands are durable and worth the money you’ll be spending. You want any HVAC investment to pay off for years to come, so selecting good quality equipment is a high priority.

Another factor you should take into account when considering a furnace upgrade is installation and maintenance. Having a properly-installed heating system not only extends the life of the equipment, but also protects your family’s safety. A professional HVAC installer will work with you from selection through installation, and they warranty their works so that you are covered if anything does go wrong. Most installers also offer a maintenance agreement that helps you make sure your furnace is working properly year after year.

For expert advice on all HVAC matters in greater east Texas, contact Ben Maines Air Conditioning, Inc. We’re always happy to help.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about furnace upgrades and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Ben Maines Air Conditioning services the Greater East Texas area. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Preventative Maintenance image via Shutterstock

Why your furnace has a red tag

A furnace receives a red tag when it is broken in a way that makes in unsafe to operate. Usually a repair technician will give the red tag, although a representative of the utility company can also shut the furnace down if there is an electrical or gas problem. Although it depends on who shut it down and why, it is often against the law to turn the furnace back on until it has been repaired or replaced.

The most common reason a furnace has a red tag is due to a crack in the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger moves heat from one part of the machine to another. In the case of furnaces, this movement is usually from the source of heat to the source of airflow. Most furnaces use heat sources that put off gases as a result of combustion. These gases, such as carbon monoxide, are unsafe for your family to breathe in large quantities. A crack in the heat exchanger allows those gases to escape into the airflow so that they are distributed throughout the house.

Problems with the electrical or gas lines or with the combustion mechanisms can also cause a furnace to be red-tagged. Whatever the cause, if your furnace has a red tag, you are looking at a couple of different options to fix it.

What you should do about it

The first option is to repair the broken parts. Sometimes this is the most economical route, especially if your furnace is still under warranty. A second option is to replace the furnace. While this costs more upfront, it can be an economical choice over time if you’re replacing an older furnace that wasn’t energy efficient.

For more information red-tagged furnaces or for any other HVAC needs in the greater east Texas area, contact Ben Maines Air Conditioning, Inc.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Ben Maines Air Conditioning services the Greater East Texas area. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Here are some evaluations and tasks that a certified technician will perform on your cooling system during an annual system tune-up:

• Check electrical connections and components. Faulty connections can be harmful to your system.
• Check thermostat settings. A certified technician can advise you on the best settings for your comfort and budget to help you get ready for cooling season.
• Clean condensate drain. Dirty drains can adversely affect the air in your home.
• Check refrigerant level. Your technician will make sure your system is charged to manufacturer specifications and test for refrigerant leaks.
• Inspect and clean components. Components such as the blower and evaporator and condenser coils must be kept free of dirt and debris to keep your air conditioning system working effectively.
• Evaluate duct efficiency. Your technician will check for and seal any leaks in ductwork.

Preventive maintenance can help you get ready for cooling season, and ensure that you stay cool and comfortable all summer long. Plus, if your technician discovers any problems, you can nip them in the bud early.

For more expert advice about air conditioning and other topics related to home comfort, feel free to contact us at Ben Maines Air Conditioning. We’ve been serving the greater northeast area of Texas since 1949, and we offer maintenance plans that cover the basics of preventive maintenance and more.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about air conditioning and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Ben Maines Air Conditioning services the Greater East Texas area. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Maintenance Man image via Shutterstock

Dust is hard on all parts of your system, including the air handler, the outdoor compressor and all the electrical components. Over time, the dirt and debris in your A/C collects, but if you perform routine checks and maintenance, you can minimize the damage. Try the following suggestions:

• Clean or change your air handler’s filters whenever they show a buildup of dirt. Dust entering the air handler is the leading cause of air conditioning failure.
• Keep the outdoor compressor free from anything that obstructs it, like dead leaves, weeds and grass. Make sure that nothing is covering the top of it that would slow down the force of the air the fan creates as it removes heat from the coils.
• Gently hose off the fins that surround the inside coils. The fins help radiate the heat from the coil. When they’re covered with dust, they don’t work as efficiently. The fins can bend if too much water pressure is applied or if something hits them. Use a fin comb, available at hardware or home improvement stores, to straighten them.

An HVAC professional can perform these maintenance steps to keep the dirt and debris in your A/C at minimal levels:

• Clean the coil in the indoor and outdoor units. If the fins on the compressor are dirty, chances are the coil is too. Removing the dirt speeds up cooling the refrigerant, lowering your electric bills. A dirty evaporator coil indoors inhibits cooling.
• Remove dust and dirt from the interior and exterior electrical components. These particles interfere with the transmission of electricity to the system, lowering efficiency.

Ben Maines Air Conditioning has been providing HVAC services for Greater East Texas residents since 1949. Contact us to schedule a spring cleaning for your air conditioner before the long cooling season begins.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about air conditioner maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Ben Maines Air Conditioning services the Greater East Texas area. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

There are several different types of geothermal installations, with some being much more cost-effective than others. To determine which types you may be eligible for, you need to look at several factors:

• Land area. A vertical loop system requires very little land area, but is usually the most expensive type of geothermal system to install. If you have enough yard space, you can opt for a less expensive horizontal loop system.
• Landscaping. A horizontal loop requires more land area because more surface soil has to be dug up to install the long coils of pipe. So, if you have landscaping you want to preserve, you may need to go with a vertical loop.
• Soil type. Some soils are better at absorbing or transferring heat to the buried pipe loops. Having the right type of soil can cut down on the length of pipe you need to install, reducing your installation costs.
• Water sources. The least expensive geothermal heating and cooling systems are those that utilize existing natural water sources. If your home sits next to a deep pond or lake, you can eliminate most digging expenses by installing a pond or lake loop system. You might also be able to reduce the amount of pipe required with an open loop system, which draws water directly from the pond or lake (or from groundwater via a pair of wells dug in your yard).

Finally, how you finance a geothermal system is also important, as it impacts how long it will take for the energy savings to pay for the installation costs. And don’t forget to account for the 30 percent tax credit on geothermal heating and cooling systems.

If you have any questions, please contact us at Ben Maines Air Conditioning in Longview.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about geothermal systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Ben Maines Air Conditioning services the Greater East Texas area. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Geothermal image via Shutterstock

Mold is not only toxic to your property values, causing wood rot, staining and corrosion of electrical wiring, it’s also toxic to your health. Many individuals are sensitive to one or another of the many varieties of mold spores and symptoms ranging from the vague to the extreme may result from daily exposure to household mold.

Preventing mold isn’t rocket science if you remember one basic fact: Anywhere you circulate dry air, mold cannot thrive. Therefore, proper ventilation reduces mold.

Areas of your home which receive moist air from interior sources, such as kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms, should be ventilated to the exterior with exhaust fans. Proper ventilation reduces mold in basements and crawl spaces as well. These areas should have, at minimum, a free flow of air through an adequate number of unobstructed passive vents. In many cases, basement fans or draft inducers are also recommended. Sources of basement condensation such as water pipes should be insulated to prevent the formation of mold-producing moisture.

Attic spaces are particularly mold-friendly. Water vapor produced in living areas such as kitchens and bathrooms may migrate up into the attic and concentrate there. Particularly in winter, warm water vapor collecting in a cold, enclosed attic forms a perfect environment for condensation and mold growth. Proper ventilation reduces mold in attics and measures to remove water vapor should include efficient venting, including gable, soffit and roof line intake vents. Adequate attic exhaust ventilation may be provided by static vents, wind-driven turbine vents or electric fan-driven ventilators.

For more advice on mold prevention and indoor air quality, contact our team of professionals at Ben Maines Air Conditioning. We’ve been keeping northeast Texas homes healthy with good ventilation since 1949.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about ventilation and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Ben Maines Air Conditioning services the Greater East Texas area. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!