Heating & Cooling Articles

Geothermal heating and cooling units are the most cost-effective systems on the market. Professionals install 50,000 geothermal units in the United States every year, and that number is rising fast. Residents in Corpus Christi, Texas, see the impacts of severe weather and what those extremes have on their power bill. If you’re considering a geothermal heat pump, read on to learn more about these highly efficient systems.

They Save You Lots of Money

A prevalent misconception is that geothermal systems are too expensive. Initial installation of geothermal may be more costly than traditional heating and cooling. However, long-term savings will far outweigh these costs.

It’s vital to discuss your needs with one of our specialists at Bodine-Scott. We can show you cost savings and up-to-date options for your home’s characteristics.

Typical monthly savings gained from residential geothermal will range between 50 and 75 percent over traditional systems. Government incentives, such as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, provide tax incentives to encourage installation of geothermal systems. State and federal incentives save the homeowner between 30 and 60 percent of the total geothermal installation cost. Therefore, you don’t don’t have to worry about the cost of installation.

How Does Geothermal Work?

Temperatures outside fluctuate depending on the seasons. However, underground temperatures a few feet below the surface are moderate and stable, thanks to insulating properties of the earth. As a result, they’re better to utilize.

Geothermal taps into this wondrous supply of energy. A typical residential system will have an indoor handling unit along with buried pipes called an earth loop. There’s a re-injection pump to take advantage of these underground resources. The pipes are commonly made of polyethylene, and a professional can bury them vertically or horizontally, depending on your home. If there’s a body of water accessible, the installer may choose an open loop system. Water pumps through a heat exchanger and returns to the source afterward.

Types of Geothermal Systems

Choosing the ideal system depends on your home, soil and climate. The most common types of systems are ground loop, which includes horizontal, vertical, and pond or lake configurations. These are closed-loop operations. The fourth type is an open-loop system. Hybrid systems utilize a combination of geothermal and outdoor air.

• Closed-loop geothermal heat pumps circulate an antifreeze solution through a closed loop of tubing. The tubing is buried in the ground or submerged in water. A heat exchanger transfers heat between the heat pump refrigerant and the antifreeze solution. Again, the best configuration depends on your home.
• Open-loop configurations use wells or surface water as the transfer fluid. After circulation, the process returns the water to the well. There should be adequate supplies of water for this option to be practical.

Geothermal History

Most of us believe geothermal energy has been employed for only a few brief years. But Piero Ginori Conti, an Italian scientist, invented a geothermal plant using steam to generate power in 1904. In the United States, you can trace the use of geothermal energy to 1892. It was not until 1940 that a geothermal heat pump was successfully implemented. Geothermal technology has now become popular around the world. As a result, many homeowners are saving energy and money.

Geothermal Myths

Myth: Installing geothermal requires a lot of real estate.

Fact: A professional can bury the Earth loop system vertically, depending on your home’s location. If there’s a body of water to draw from, you won’t require a lot real estate.

Myth: Geothermal heat pumps create a lot of noise.

Fact: Modern day pumps are remarkably quiet, and there’s no equipment outside to aggravate the neighbors.

Myth: Geothermal systems don’t last.

Fact: Earth loop systems will last generations. Heat exchange equipment can last for decades. When the unit wears out, you’ll likely only need to replace the heat exchanger.

Myth: Geothermal can only heat one area at a time.

Fact: You can design geothermal to heat your pool, home and every other area at the same time.

There are tremendous benefits to installing a geothermal heat pump. When choosing a heating and cooling system, there are plenty of options. You don’t want to make the wrong decision for your home and family. Call Bodine-Scott at 888-481-8511 for help with this most significant decision.

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Home technology has improved a lot over the last few years. It’s improved not only the usability but also the functionality of many appliances. It can be a little dizzying to look at all the options available, so we’ve created this guide to what we consider to be the best plumbing upgrades available for your home in Corpus Christi, Texas. Read on to learn more about today’s most popular plumbing technology upgrades.

Touchless Faucets

Touchless faucets have been around for a few years. But recent technology upgrades have elevated them to a new level.

Previously, these systems weren’t entirely reliable. But now they’re streamlined and function seamlessly. They’re a great way to reduce the spreading of germs in your kitchen thanks to their automatic functionality. They also make it easy to operate your sink in the middle of major cooking products.

There’s a wide range of price points and levels of functionality. But ultimately, touchless faucets are a great choice for homeowners who cook a lot or those who are concerned about spreading germs.

LED Temperature Displays

It can be tricky to figure out the temperature of the water coming out of the faucet. It’s also tricky to adjust it to a temperature you want.

Sinks and faucets are now implementing LED temperature displays that show the temperature of the water. As a result, they help you avoid sticking your hands under a stream of hot water. It’s a handy tool while cooking temperature-sensitive items. It’s also great for bathrooms , when you want the most comfortable bathtub temperature. These displays can range from simple red or blue lights to an accurate temperature gauge.

Tankless Heaters

Tankless water heaters are another technology that isn’t new but has improved over the past few years. These now provide ample on-demand water and improve extended hot water flow. That means no more running out of hot water halfway through a shower or waiting for the water to warm up to the temperature you want. These can connect to any water-based appliance and reduce water waste since they don’t rely on a store of water that’s constantly on standby.

Flood Stops

Appliances that use water always have some risk of flooding. There’s nothing worse than realizing your laundry machine or dishwasher has leaked water all over your floor when something goes wrong. Luckily, electronic flooding detection systems can catch pooling water.

They can recognize if there’s water on the floor and immediately shut off the water flow to reduce and prevent any damage. They’re also area specific, so if one appliance is leaking but another isn’t, only the leaking appliance will shut down. Typically, it’s easy to find the areas in your home that are most at risk of flooding. Install the system detectors in those areas to help prevent disaster.

Smart Appliances

Smart appliances are quickly becoming some of the most popular pieces of technology thanks to their increased ease of use. Appliances like fridges, laundry washers, dishwashers, water heaters and even toilets are including smart technology.

The internal computers can detect everything from issues within the plumbing to water conservation modes. This not only can lead to reduced water and energy consumption levels but also improve owner control over appliances for a customizable experience. Levels of technology vary in prices. But these systems are no longer confined to just ultra high-end appliance lines. As a result, they’re significantly more accessible.

If you’re ready to upgrade your home’s plumbing technology, the experts at Bodine-Scott can help. Call us at 888-481-8511 today to set up a consultation or learn more about the latest plumbing technology!

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Corpus Christi, Texas, can experience a lot of humidity, especially in the summer. While residents are used to experiencing this outside, having a humid home is unpleasant and uncomfortable. Here are six tips for keeping the moisture out of your home and improving your indoor air quality without sacrificing your energy efficiency:

Ventilate Your Bathrooms

Ventilation is one of the best ways to get rid of moisture in your home. Most houses have vent fans in the bathroom that work by drawing out moist air from the atmosphere. This, in turn, reduces the overall humidity levels.

After you shower, make sure you take advantage of any bathroom fans you may have once you leave the room. Let them run for five to 10 minutes to get most of the moisture out of the air before turning them off.

Ventilate Your Kitchen

By using ventilation in kitchens, you can reduce moisture from cooking implements and other household utilities. Some of the biggest culprits of home humidity are the exhausts caused by your washer and dryer. Be sure to feed your utility air exhausts outside. It’s generally always important to make sure your laundry room has plenty of ventilation and airflow to prevent the further moisture in the atmosphere.

One of the easiest ways to tell if your home needs more ventilation is built-up condensation on the windows. It indicates a humidity issue.

Cook Carefully

If you find yourself in the kitchen on a regular basis, you’ll know that cooking – especially boiling – can introduce a lot of moisture into the air of your living space. Cooking can also raise the indoor temperature of your kitchen, which can lead to higher levels of unpleasant humidity.

When cooking, run your stove hood to help remove some of the excess moisture in the atmosphere. If you have a closed-off kitchen, open the doors and windows to keep airflow circulating. You should consider installing a fan for added ventilation and airflow.

Keep the Temperature Low

Cool air doesn’t hold as much moisture as warm air. Keeping your home cooler may help reduce humidity levels.

Of course, you’ll want to stay as efficiency-conscious as possible when adjusting your temperature. A smart thermostat can help regulate your home’s temperature in a reasonable and beneficial way. Plus, newer climate control units are far more efficient and accurate, so consider upgrading your system if possible.

You don’t need to turn your home arctic to get the humidity levels down. But most homeowners will notice a substantial difference once you’ve decreased the temperature a few notches.

Shorten Showers

As we’ve mentioned, bathrooms often experience a build-up of moisture due to the use of regular and often prolonged showers. To help reduce this intensive humidity and prevent it from leaking into your whole home, shorten your showers by a few minutes or using cooler water. This can make a dramatic difference in your home’s humidity levels, especially if you don’t have bathroom vents or if they aren’t particularly strong. You don’t have to rush through your shower. But a 30-minute soak is likely to lead to a large increase in home humidity levels.

Clear Your Gutters

The exterior of your home can have an impact on your home humidity levels just as much. If you have cluttered gutters with a lot of leaves and debris causing blockage, some of the water may make its way indoors. Not only can this impair your home’s indoor air quality but it can also lead to a more humid interior. Blocked gutters can cause roof damage or water puddling by your foundation when they finally overflow with more water than the soil can handle. Regular gutter cleaning should be a part of your home maintenance plan to prevent these issues.

These tips are a great way to get started on controlling your home’s humidity levels. However, If you’re still concerned about your home’s indoor air quality, schedule an appointment with the experts at Bodine-Scott. Call us today at 888-481-8511.

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According to the most recent insurance industry research, 14,000 people in the United States experience an emergency caused by water damage each day. About 37 percent of those homeowners have suffered losses from water damage, including many in Corpus Christi, Texas. Here are seven ways your home can experience water damage:

Invasive Tree Roots

That beautiful shade tree near your living room window might help keep your home cool during the summer. But unfortunately, it might be causing more harm than good by having invasive roots that snake around your underground pipes. Over time, the pressure from growing roots can break pipes and result in flooding near the base of your house.

Clutter in the Gutter

Do you clean your home’s gutters every spring? Most homeowners don’t, especially if they own multi-story homes that have high gutters. Clutter in the gutters can back water up and lead it to spill over. When that happens, the water can pour through your roof or on your home’s exterior walls. It can then soak into the building materials.

Roof Damage

Speaking of roofs, water can damage yours in a number of ways, including a clogged gutter. Water damage on roofs also often happens during major summer storms in Corpus Christi, when they aren’t able to keep out the heavy rainfall. Inspect your roof annually. If you suspect water damage from a storm, inspect and repair it immediately.

Leaks in Your Plumbing System

A kitchen faucet leaking at the rate of one drop per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water each year. And about 10 percent of homes in the United States contain leaks that waste at least 90 gallons of water each day. If you do the math, you’ll realize that it pays to repair leaks in your plumbing system as fast as possible. Not only will doing so prevent further water damage inside your home but it’ll also help keep utility costs from skyrocketing.

Busted Water Heater

About 75 percent of water heaters fail before they reach 12 years old. If your water heater is more than 10 years old, it’s important to schedule an inspection to ensure it’s in good working order. Otherwise, you risk your water heater suddenly busting and damaging everything in its vicinity, including your property and personal belongings.

Clogged Condensate Drain Pipe

Your air conditioner’s condensate drain line plays a major role in getting rid of water that can otherwise damage your home. When the evaporator coil in your AC system removes humidity from your home’s air and converts it to water, the condensate drain line moves that water outside. When the line becomes clogged, the drain pan will eventually overflow. This can cause ice to form on the AC coils and damage the system. It can also cause pools of water to collect near the indoor air conditioning unit, damaging your floors, carpets, ceiling or furnishings in the process.

Storm Flooding

Of all the most damaging ways water can damage your home in terms of costs, flooding is the most expensive. The average cost of water damage resulting from flooding ranges from $19,000 to $26,000, depending on the severity. Flooding can expose you to black water, which contains contaminants that can cause illness or even death. If you’ve experienced water damage caused by flooding, repair it right away to avoid endangering your health and safety.

Are you dealing with a plumbing emergency that can cause extensive water damage and even impact your health and safety? Contact Bodine-Scott at 888-481-8511 for immediate assistance. Whether it’s leaking pipes or a busted water heater, our service technicians know how to repair the plumbing problem immediately. We’re here 24 hours a day, seven days a week to make sure you feel comfortable and safe in your home.

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For many people, owning a solar panel system seems like a fantasy, because the installation costs are intimidating. Despite that costly concern, though, the solar industry has experienced an average annual growth rate of 68 percent in the last decade. Thanks to financial incentives and government programs, any homeowner in Corpus Christi, Texas, can conquer the costs of renewable energy. With that said, here’s what makes solar energy worth the initial investment:

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Turning off lights and maintaining your HVAC system are great starts to improving energy efficiency. But there’s more you can do. Unfortunately, other sources of energy loss aren’t as apparent as a light left on in your Corpus Christi, Texas, home. To stop wasting energy and start saving money, conduct a home energy audit. Doing so will help you find where you can improve your efficiency.

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If generous tax incentives and utility rebates aren’t enough to make you want to install solar power on your Portland, Texas, home, the energy savings should. Getting solar power requires the help of a professional, but there are things you can do yourself to make the transition easier.

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Remember your life before having a smartphone? Remember flip phones and Blackberries? Actual keypads? Can you imagine going back to that era of disconnectivity and buttons? Smart technology and Wi-Fi connectivity have certainly made our lives more convenient and accessible. It’s helped us save many headaches and time, while arguably causing us to become a bit too connected to our devices.

Now that tech has come to your home in Corpus Christi, Texas, bringing with it the same benefits you’ve had because of your smart devices. Wi-Fi thermostats will take you to the next level of efficiency and convenience while continuing what every thermostat has always done: establish comfort. Just like there are a plethora of smartphones to choose from, the same goes for Wi-Fi (or smart) thermostats. Here are three of the best Wi-Fi thermostats currently available.

Carrier Wi-Fi Thermostat

One of the greatest features of any Wi-Fi thermostat is its capability to program specific temperatures for certain times of day, enabling you to keep your home a little warmer (and more efficient) while you’re away for a long day of work. The Carrier Wi-Fi thermostat allows you to program your thermostat for seven full days in advance. And with a connected mobile app and online control features, you can adjust temperatures from anywhere, or switch the system to a more energy efficient “Quick Save” mode.

The Online Runtime Tracking system displays when and how your energy is being used so you can adjust your lifestyle for more savings and greater comfort in the long run. The Carrier Wi-Fi thermostat works with many types and brands of HVAC systems, and in the winter,, it can work with your furnace or heat pump to save even more money with a Hybrid Heat system.

Cor Wi-Fi Thermostat

The top-of-the-line Cor Wi-Fi thermostat boasts the slogan: “The Heart of a Smarter Home,” and it certainly owns up to that. Since your HVAC system is the heart of comfort and energy efficiency in your living space, it’s only natural your smart thermostat would be the center of your smart home. The Cor Wi-Fi thermostat features a full-color touch screen that includes intuitive, on-screen prompts to make your heating and cooling quicker and easier. A local four-day forecast also makes it easier to maximize the programmable capabilities of the Wi-Fi thermostat.

In addition to the remote access common in smart thermostats, the Cor also provides detailed energy reports and a convenient system that allows you to make quick changes to your settings. But monitoring temperature and energy efficiency isn’t all the Cor thermostat does. Since indoor air quality is such a crucial aspect of your home, the Cor thermostat lets you choose between UV lamp, filter, or humidifier pad replacement reminders based on either a fixed schedule or according to runtime. If you have multiple comfort zones in your home, the Cor thermostat is compatible with three additional zones and thermostats.

Infinity Remote Access Touch Control

Not only can the Infinity Remote Access Touch Control watch over temperature and indoor air quality, but it can also manage humidity, ventilation, and airflow throughout your home. And where the Cor thermostat was only compatible with three different temperature zones, the Infinity thermostat is compatible with up to eight, each of which you can program with individual, personalized settings.

While it certainly includes all the other energy-use-tracking and programmable capabilities of other thermostats, the Infinity thermostat also comes with a Greenspeed intelligent system that ensures your HVAC system is cooling your home according to the load requirements of your living space. It’s an important factor that will lead to far greater comfort and much lower utility costs.

In the end, smart thermostats do just what smart technology was intended to do: save. No matter what thermostat you choose in the end, you’ll save money with greater energy efficiency, you’ll save your health with high indoor air quality, and you’ll save time with the easy-to-use, convenient features. To see firsthand the benefits of these smart thermostats on your air conditioning, call Bodine-Scott Air Conditioning today at 888-481-8511.

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Volatile organic chemicals, also called VOCs, evaporate or off-gas at room temperature from some materials, including air fresheners, perfumes, the glues in particle board, paints, varnishes, cleaners, carpets, and many other common household items. These chemicals lower your Corpus Christi, Texas, home’s indoor air quality, which can cause sinus problems, eye irritation, headaches, asthma, and even cancer. Some of the most common volatile organic chemicals are formaldehyde, acetone, xylene, toluene, and benzene. You can protect your family from VOCs by installing ventilation, adding houseplants, avoiding products with VOCs, and using natural cleaners and air fresheners.

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For residents of Corpus Christi, Texas, staying cool in summer while keeping utility bills low can be a real challenge. The U.S. Department of Energy offers a number of conservation tips designed to help homeowners manage costs and reduce energy waste throughout their properties. Here are five of the most effective ways to lower consumption of energy and improve the efficiency of your HVAC system in the Lone Star State.

Consider Alternative Energy Sources

Depending on your location, installing solar energy systems can provide lasting savings on your electric bills and can reduce your carbon footprint to a considerable degree. Wind energy is also a preferred method for lowering utility bills and reduce dependency on traditional energy sources. These alternative ways to generate electricity are expected to see even more use in the future as more consumers and businesses opt for green-friendly energy sources and strategies.

Take Small Steps at Home

Especially during the heat of summer in Corpus Christi, making a few small changes can have a big impact on the overall energy efficiency of your HVAC system. Installing a ceiling fan can increase comfort inside your home and can reduce the workload of your heating and cooling system. Investing in smart power strips can also reduce electric consumption, allowing you to lower your utility bills at a relatively low initial cost to you and your family. Looking for little ways to decrease your use of electricity can help you manage costs without dramatic changes to your current lifestyle.

Install Programmable Thermostats

The ENERGY STAR program offers guidance and recommendations for consumers on reducing the amount of wasted energy and lowering utility bills throughout the year. Programmable thermostats can provide added control over temperatures inside your Corpus Christi home even when you are not home to adjust them. By setting your programmable thermostat to cool things down before you arrive home and to allow warmer temperatures during times you are likely to be away, you can enjoy the lowest possible utility costs while ensuring comfort for you and your family.

Invest in a Home Energy Audit

For even greater savings, you can schedule a home energy audit with a professional air conditioning company. These audits include a number of essential steps, including the following:

• Visual inspections to identify cracks and gaps
• Assessment of utility costs
• Thermographic imaging
• Blower door testing

In some cases, perfluorocarbon tracer gas (PFT) testing may provide even more information about the current condition of your home and can help you to close any gaps or leaks. This can allow you to enjoy the greatest efficiency from your current furnace or air conditioning system.

Upgrade Your Current System

If your current cooling system is more than 10 years old, you may be able to reduce your energy costs and enhance your comfort with a new air conditioning or heat pump system. Upgrading to an energy-efficient system can also reduce the chance of unexpected breakdowns that can have a serious impact on your budget and your indoor temperatures. A new Carrier system can help you lower your utility bills while ensuring that you enjoy cool comfort during every season of the year.

The friendly and knowledgeable professionals at Bodine-Scott Air Conditioning Co. can provide you with the emergency air conditioning repair and replacement services your family needs to stay comfortable even on the hottest summer days in Corpus Christi. We are a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer with more than 55 years in the air conditioning industry. Bodine-Scott Air Conditioning offers 24-hour service for our valued customers. Our team of NATE-certified technicians can provide you with professional energy audit services, indoor air quality assessments, solar and wind energy installations and customized recommendations designed to help you save money on the cost of keeping your home cool and comfortable. To learn more about our full lineup of services and how they can help you save energy and increase your comfort throughout the year, call us today at 888-481-8511. We look forward to the chance to serve all your heating and cooling needs.