Carrier Heating & Cooling

The weather is almost always warm and sunny in Alice, Texas. As a result, your indoor temperature and humidity levels may be too high to sleep comfortably at night. Help your family get the best sleep possible by implementing a few easy HVAC adjustments in your home.

Set Cooler Temperatures

According to Sleep.org, the ideal indoor temperature for rejuvenating sleep is between 60 and 67 degrees. Your body naturally wants to cool its core temperature as it prepares for sleep. Therefore, it’s helpful to lower the temperature in your home before getting ready for bed. You’ll likely feel more rested in the morning after sleeping in a cooler environment.

Maintain Healthy Humidity Levels

High humidity levels are often bearable during the day. But if humidity levels are high at night, it may be difficult for your body to relax and achieve revitalizing sleep. According to CDC.gov, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends indoor humidity levels to not exceed 65 percent.

Your air conditioning system helps to remove humidity from the air as circulates. If you still find that your home feels too stuffy and humid, consider investing in a whole-home dehumidifier. Aim for an ideal balance between 40 and 60 percent.

Use a Ceiling or Box Fan

While your air conditioning system can keep your home at an appropriate temperature and humidity level, you may need more ventilation to sleep comfortably. If you have a ceiling fan, turn it on to enjoy soothing air circulation. If you don’t have a ceiling fan, consider buying a box fan. Your body will appreciate the extra airflow in your home. During the hot season, make sure your ceiling fans rotate counterclockwise.

Keep your home at a healthy temperature and humidity level to help your whole family sleep more comfortably throughout the night. Call Bodine-Scott today at 361-883-9900 to schedule preventative maintenance on your air conditioning system. As a result, it’ll work to provide you with cool and comfortable air that’ll help you get better sleep.

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Despite your best efforts to reduce energy waste in your Corpus Christi, Texas, home, your utility costs continue to climb. It may take a professional hand to identify the cause of your falling energy efficiency. Schedule a professional home energy audit. As a result, you’ll be able to target the sources of energy waste in your home.

What’s a Home Energy Audit?

A home energy audit examines the energy efficiency of your home by looking for areas of energy loss throughout your living space. There are two types of energy audits: a do-it-yourself audit and a professional audit.

A do-it-yourself audit involves checking for areas of energy loss around your home on your own. Are there air leaks around windows and doors? Could any of your habits be contributing to energy loss? Answering these questions is a good start for determining your home’s energy efficiency.

A do-it-yourself energy audit is a good place to begin. But only a professional energy audit will be able to identify the specific areas where you’re losing energy and what you can do to improve efficiency. During an energy audit, one of our certified service technicians will inspect your home for any air leaks using a blower door test, a thermographic inspection and more. We’ll also evaluate your past utility bills to help identify mechanical problems as well as cooling habits that may be reducing your energy efficiency.

How Does It Improve Energy Efficiency?

Energy audits help you isolate areas in your home or lifestyle that are contributing to higher utility bills. For example, by assessing how airtight your living space is, an energy audit can help you keep air within your home. As a result, it’ll reduce strain on your HVAC system and make it more effective at maintaining comfort in your home. Home energy audits will also improve energy efficiency by helping you develop a more energy-efficient lifestyle.

Improve your energy efficiency to enjoy lower utility costs and improved comfort. To schedule your professional energy audit, call Bodine-Scott at 888-481-8511. We’re here to help you save energy, money and the environment

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The air inside your Corpus Christi, Texas, home is often more polluted than the air outside. Indoor air can contain pet dander, pollen, dirt, dust, biological growth and other contaminants. An indoor air cleaner can improve your family’s health, reduce dust and increase your comfort.

Healthier Home

The pollutants that air purifiers capture can cause allergy or asthma symptoms, sore throats, eye irritation, headaches and many other issues. If you feel like you have a cold that won’t go away, or you normally feel better after you leave home, you could have poor indoor air quality.

An air cleaner can catch many pollutants and make your house healthier. It can improve your sleep and capture microorganisms to prevent illnesses such as the flu. For optimal air quality, change the air filter for your air cleaner and HVAC system at least every few months.

Less Dust

If your tables, bookshelves and floors are constantly covered in dust, an indoor air cleaner can keep you from having to dust or vacuum as often. Your home will look more welcoming to guests, and your HVAC system’s air filter won’t become dirty as quickly. An air cleaner can even save energy by improving your heater or air conditioner’s airflow and efficiency. As a result, it’ll help to keep your energy bills under control.

Better Comfort

Air cleaners can get rid of bad smells from cooking, cleaning, biological growth, a full garbage can or other sources. They can also prevent inconvenient, uncomfortable breakdowns and extend your HVAC system’s life. Some units will even remind you when it’s time to change the air filter.

Bodine-Scott is a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer with decades of heating, air conditioning and indoor air quality experience. We can help you choose the best air cleaner for your family, and we guarantee 100-percent customer satisfaction. For outstanding help from our experts, call us anytime at 888-481-8511.

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Saving water helps the environment by conserving natural resources. It also extends your septic system’s life and lowers your water bills. You can save power by using less hot water as well. To conserve water in your Corpus Christi, Texas, home, you should look for leaks, use low-flow fixtures and upgrade your appliances.

Look for Leaks

Leaks could increase your utility costs and lead to water damage or biological growth from excess moisture. Even a minor issue like a continuously running toilet could waste thousands of gallons of water per year. If you notice a dripping faucet, wet spots underneath a sink, bad smells, a sudden increase in your bills or other issues, you should have your plumbing inspected and repaired by a professional. That way, you can keep problems from getting bigger and more expensive.

Use Low-Flow Fixtures

Faucet aerators add air to your water to make the pressure seem higher. They help you use less water when you complete routine tasks like washing your hands. Low-flow showerheads are available, and you can add a valve that controls the flow of the water. These valves allow you to slow or stop the flow of water while still keeping it warm.

Upgrade Your Appliances

Washing your dishes in the sink takes more water than using a dishwasher. If your home doesn’t have a dishwasher, you can save water and time doing your dishes by installing one. Upgrading an older model can conserve water as well. Modern dishwashers can clean dirty plates easily, so there’s no need to rinse them in the sink.

You should also consider replacing older washing machines and water heaters. New appliances can save water, prevent sudden breakdowns and increase the value of your home.

Bodine-Scott has years of plumbing experience. We can help you repair or install a variety of plumbing, heating or air conditioning equipment. For outstanding and friendly service, you can call us anytime at 888-481-8511.

As a Three Rivers, Texas, homeowner, you may not always think about your home’s insulation. You may even wonder whether insulation is necessary for a warm climate such as Texas. No matter where you live, home insulation is essential. Therefore, knowing your insulation’s R-value is important. Find out how to determine your R-value and why it matters for your home insulation.

What is an R-Value?

R-value refers to a material’s thermal resistance or how well the material prevents heat from passing through it. The higher the R-value, the greater the degree of thermal resistance compared to materials with a lower R-value.

Many homes have insulation in their attic, ceilings, ductwork and walls. All types of insulation carry specific R-values. You can increase your home’s thermal resistance and reduce energy waste by adding layers of insulation. As a result, you can also lower your energy bills.

What’s the Best R-Value for Your Home’s Insulation?

Every area of your home has an R-value necessary to create ideal insulation. Your home insulation’s R-value depends on the area of the country where you live. Since Three Rivers is in a warmer region of the United States, homeowners in the area would need attic insulation with an R-value minimum of R-38 and floor insulation with an R-value of R-13.

Does Your Insulation’s R-Value Affect Your HVAC System?

Finally, when you think about your HVAC system’s operating efficiency, don’t ignore the importance of the insulation in your home’s ductwork. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that in a typical home, a system loses approximately 20-30 percent of conditioned air that moves through ductwork because of poorly connected ducts or holes and leaks in ductwork.

Installing insulation with a high R-value can prevent the loss of conditioned air and improve your HVAC system’s operating efficiency. As a result, you’ll save money on your heating and cooling bills.

The R-value of your home’s insulation impacts your HVAC system’s effectiveness. To learn more ways you can improve your heating and air conditioning system’s functionality, call Bodine-Scott today at 888-481-8511.

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Volatile organic compounds are common toxins found in homes. Released by some household products, VOCs can lead to a range of concerning health effects. Here are some ways to reduce VOCs in your Corpus Christi, Texas, home to protect your family’s health:

Store Items in a Safe Place

Many people don’t realize that VOCs can actually leak from containers, especially those that aren’t fully sealed. Items that contain VOCs range from household cleaners and permanent markers to paint thinners and bleach. If possible, keep these items in a well-ventilated area away from your main living areas. If you have a detached shed or garage, that’s a great place to keep them as this will keep the fumes out of your home. For items that need to stay in your home, be sure that they’re sealed up and try not to leave them open for any period of time.

Don’t Purchase in Bulk

Since items containing VOCs can release them into the air even through the container, it’s better to buy them one at a time instead of buying in bulk. This can help reduce the amount inside your home while also making it easier to track how many items you have that can release VOCs. While it may be more economical to buy in bulk, it’s better to reduce the number of items you have inside your home that have major VOC chemical components, like paint thinner and gasoline. As a result, you’ll reduce the amount of VOCs lingering in your home.

Ventilate Your Home

When you’re using items that contain VOCs, ventilation is very important. Ventilating removes the contaminated air and replaces it with fresh, clean air. This can reduce the chances that you’ll experience the side effects associated with VOC exposure. These can include headaches, dizziness, dry sinuses and eye irritation. If you don’t have ventilation in the room you’re using the VOC-releasing product in, opening windows can make a significant improvement. Otherwise, consider installing an energy recovery ventilator in your home.

Bodine-Scott can help ensure good indoor air quality inside your home. Give our professionals a call at 888-481-8511 to set up a consultation today!

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Indoor air quality is a growing concern among homeowners throughout Corpus Christi, Texas. You may not realize you have poor indoor air quality. Some the most common warning signs include symptoms like congestion, sore throat and eye irritation. Follow a few simple tips to improve the quality of the air you breathe in your home.

Schedule Duct Cleaning

Your HVAC system uses a series of metal ducts to move air to each of the rooms in your home. That air often contains a number of contaminants, including pollen, pet hair, dander, dust and other debris. Over time, the particles may collect in the ducts. As a result, those contaminants can recirculate when your system runs.

Poor indoor air quality is often the result of this problem, which can make you feel like you’re coming down with a cold. Regular duct cleaning by an HVAC professional can improve the quality of your air and allow the system to operate more efficiently.

Use an Air Purifier

Air purifiers can also make a big difference in your home. Tabletop air purifiers can remove contaminants from a single room. Whole-home purifiers work with your HVAC system to clean the air. When you’re comparing options, look at the filtration rate of the purifier you’re considering. Some contain tighter filters that can remove smaller particles for cleaner, healthier air.

Add More Filtering Plants

Certain indoor plants can purify your air naturally while adding some greenery to your living space. Some of the top options include:

• Bamboo palms
• English ivy
• Gerbera daisies
• Pot mums
• Peace lilies
• Chinese evergreens

By adding one of these plants to a single room, you can reduce the number of contaminants in the air. As a result, you’ll enjoy a healthier atmosphere.

If you’re struggling to improve the quality of the air you breathe within your home, let Bodine-Scott help. Contact us at 888-481-8511 to find out more about our solutions that can help you improve your indoor air quality.

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Does your home in Beeville, Texas, need a new heating system? If so, it’s important to consider the different systems available. Today, there are more options than ever before. For many homeowners and their needs, a heat pump has proven itself to be the best heating system option. Keep reading for five things you need to know about heat pumps.

Go Ductless With a Heat Pump

Ductless heat pump systems are especially ideal for new home construction. But you can still go ductless even if your existing home already has ductwork. Ductless heat pump systems tend to be more efficient than other conventional heating systems. You can also upgrade them with built-in air purification systems and programmable thermostats. Therefore, you can optimize them for supreme efficiency.

Enjoy Greater Heating Efficiency

Heat pumps provide greater efficiency compared with heating systems that produce heat through combustion. Over the life of a heat pump, you can save thousands of dollars on heating expenses. You’ll also avoid the health and safety issues combustion-based systems can cause.

Heat Pumps Have a Long Lifespan

The average heat pump will last 15 years, with some lasting up to 50 years. Your unit will last a long time if you schedule routine preventive maintenance. By doing so, you’ll also lower energy costs even more and reduce the risk of breakdowns.

Heat Pumps Can Also Cool

In addition to providing heat, a heat pump can also cool your home. Whether you have an air-to-air, water source, or geothermal heat pump, it can also work as an air conditioner. During the warmer months, all you’ll have to do is switch the unit to cooling mode.

Don’t Forget the Financial Incentives

You may qualify for installation cost assistance when you switch to a heat pump. Such assistance is available through the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive and the Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive. A heat pump installation specialist can help determine if you qualify.

Bodine-Scott specializes in a variety of heating and cooling services. Contact us today at 888-481-8511 to learn more about the advantages of using a heat pump.

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Is your old furnace going bad? Or maybe you’re building a new home and you need to install a new heating system. Whatever your reason for shopping for a new furnace, it’s important to research your options. For many homeowners, the choice comes down to a gas or an oil heater. Keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of each and how to pick the best one for your Three Rivers, Texas, home.

Oil Heater

An oil heater tends to be more powerful than a gas heater, providing more heat per BTU. Its ability to provide more heat, however, results in a higher price tag when it comes to heating expenses. Price fluctuations for oil mean you’ll never know what price you’ll have to pay.

You don’t need a direct connection to an oil line to use an oil heater. But you’ll need a storage tank on your property. You’ll also want to remember that oil furnaces generally require more maintenance than gas heaters.

Gas Heater

Gas heaters often come with a higher upfront installation cost than oil heaters. However, gas heat is more affordable and has more stable pricing. Therefore, choosing a gas heater can save you over the long term. Gas heaters also require less maintenance than oil heaters, but you’ll need a direct connection to a gas line to get started. Unfortunately, depending on where you live, gas heat may not be unavailable.

Choosing Between Gas and Oil Heat

No matter the furnace type you choose, it’s important to schedule preventive maintenance. Doing so will help improve heating efficiency and prevent costly breakdowns. An HVAC contractor can assess your home and needs to determine whether a gas or oil furnace is the best option.

Bodine-Scott specializes in a variety of furnace repair, installation, and maintenance services. Call us at 888-481-8511 today to learn more about gas and oil heaters.

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Are you building a new home in Three Rivers, Texas, and looking at heating options? Or maybe you need to replace existing furnace. In either case, you need to know about today’s modern furnaces and which option will best meet your needs and keep your family warm this winter. Keep reading to learn about three types of furnaces you can choose from to heat your home.

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