Carrier Heating & Cooling

Do you want to beat the heat and save money on your energy bills in Kingsville, Texas? If so, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat. Today’s programmable and smart thermostats are easier to operate than ever before. Here are three benefits of this upgrade:

Enhance Comfort Control and Energy Savings

Programmable thermostats are more accurate than manual thermostats, making them more reliable for delivering the comfort you expect. By utilizing the pre-programming feature, you can customize the temperature settings according to your family’s schedule. This helps maximize your energy saving potential without sacrificing comfort when you’re at home. The programmable feature can save your household up to $100 annually in energy costs!

Additionally, most programmable models come with back-lit keypads as well as voice, phone and touch-screen programming. That makes setting your smart thermostat a breeze.

Control More Than the Temperature in Your Home

Smart thermostats offer tech-savvy features that allow you to control more than just the temperature at home. A Wi-Fi connection allows you to adjust the temperature, humidity level, ventilation, airflow and indoor air quality in several zones of your home directly from an app on your phone. This is convenient if you’re at the office or on the go.

Smart thermostats will remind you when it’s time to replace the filter. A system diagnostic feature will inform you how efficiently your HVAC system is running. User-friendly controls make this smart thermostat everything a busy family could ask for!

Become Environmentally Friendly

Today’s programmable and smart thermostats are mercury-free and use less energy — both of which are big wins when it comes to protecting the environment. Using less energy means cleaner air and leaving behind a smaller carbon footprint.

Bodine-Scott’s goal is to help our customers maintain optimal comfort and air quality in their homes all year long. Call 888-481-8511 to discuss other ways to conserve energy this summer!

Image provided by Shutterstock

Many new homes in Corpus Christi, Texas, are tightly sealed to increase energy efficiency. Unfortunately, because of this, they also have poor ventilation. The air inside your home is likely more polluted than the air outside. An energy recovery ventilator removes stale air without wasting energy. You can also use an exhaust fan or open a window or door, too. Read on to learn the benefits of good ventilation.

Improve Indoor Air Quality

An exhaust fan in your bathroom or kitchen will help eliminate smells from cooking and other daily activities. You can also remove excess moisture that can make your home uncomfortable and encourage pests and biological growth.

Most ventilation systems include filters that filter incoming air to make it fresh and safe. Good ventilation also removes volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde, benzene, acetone, toluene and xylene. These VOCs evaporate at room temperature, and they’re common in air fresheners, cleaning products and paints. They can cause headaches, fatigue, sinus problems, dizziness and other health problems.

Enhance Overall Comfort

Removing excess moisture will keep your home from feeling hot and uncomfortable. That’s why running exhaust fans while showering or cooking is so important. You’ll reduce the risk of microbial growth, and you’ll safeguard your family’s health and comfort.

Increase Energy Efficiency

Energy recovery ventilators work like heat pumps. While they remove stale air, they transfer heat out of your home in summer and into your it in winter. That way, you can get fresh air without wasting energy or raising your utility bills. A ventilation system can also lower your home’s humidity, reducing your reliance on your air conditioner and extending its lifespan.

Bodine-Scott is a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer with more than 55 years of heating and cooling experience. We can help you install and maintain a variety of ventilation systems and other HVAC equipment. Call us anytime at 888-481-8511 for excellent service from our outstanding service technicians.

Image provided by Shutterstock

Most HVAC systems last for about 15 years, and they can cost thousands of dollars to replace in Kingsville, Texas. Their efficiency decreases with age as well, raising your home’s utility bills. Fortunately, you can extend the life of your air conditioner by following these three tips:

Schedule Regular AC Maintenance

A professional should inspect AC system inspected at least once per year to avoid high utility bills and poor indoor air quality. These seemingly minor issues will worsen without repairs. They can even force you to replace your system.

To prevent contaminants from causing damage, change your HVAC system’s air filter at least every three months. Keep debris like leaves and grass clippings away from your outdoor unit. These are two HVAC maintenance tasks every homeowner can perform on their own.

Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature in your home depending on whether you’re at home, asleep or away. As a result, it can help you lower your utility bills. Using your HVAC system less also increases its lifespan.

Many programmable thermostats can connect to your computer or smartphone, letting you make changes from anywhere and receive detailed updates about your air conditioner.

Improve Your Home’s Insulation

Insulation keeps cool air inside your home and helps you prevent problems from outdoor contaminants. Like a programmable thermostat, proper insulation enables you to save energy and avoid breakdowns.

Add weather stripping around doors and windows, and place caulk around power outlets. Have a professional check your attic or basement for leaks, gaps, or biological growth in your insulation. The faster you repair those issues, the better for your AC system’s life.

Bodine-Scott has more than 55 years of air conditioning experience. We’re a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, and we can help you keep your system in peak condition or choose a new one. Call us anytime at 888-481-8511 for expert, friendly service.

Image provided by Shutterstock

Even the most careful homeowner in Corpus Christi, Texas, can forget chores in areas of the home that are out of sight. However, completing these chores can lead to improved efficiency. As a result, it can lower energy bills and improve overall home comfort. Read on to learn more about the top three chores that you may be forgetting that can help improve energy efficiency.

Check Weather Stripping

Caulking and weather stripping around your windows can weaken and crack over time. As a result, it can provide an entryway for outdoor air to get into your home and change the temperature. This can make your HVAC unit work harder and increase the amount of allergens in your home. If you notice cracks or crumbling, re-caulk the weak areas or replace the weather stripping to reinforce the barrier.

Clean Refrigerator Coils

Condenser coils are located on the back of your refrigerator. They’re vital for the proper operation of your fridge.

The coils can get coated in grime and dust. Since they’re difficult to access, they’re often left uncleaned. The more build-up on these coils, the harder your fridge has to work to maintain a cold temperature, leading to higher energy bills.

To clean the coils, turn off and unplug your fridge. Then, vacuum away any dust, using a cloth or brush to get into the fine areas. This cleaning is super quick, so you don’t have to worry about spoilage of any food in your fridge.

Change the Air Filters

Your HVAC system is equipped with filters that work to remove allergens, pollutants and debris from the air, providing your home with cleaner, higher quality air. These filters can become clogged with debris, which reduces their effectiveness and forces the system to work harder to push air through. Replace these filters every 30 to 90 days to notice an improvement in energy efficiency.

If you’re concerned about the energy efficiency of your home, the experts at Bodine-Scottcan help. Give us a call at 888-481-8511 today to set up a consultation.

Image provided by Shutterstock

Having guests over is fun and exciting. Ensuring your home is prepped and ready for their arrival can help make any visit go more smoothly. Kitchens are common gathering places. Getting your kitchen in Corpus Christi, Texas, ready for guests is a great idea, especially if you’re having a dinner party. Here are three things you can do to prep your kitchen for guests:

Clean Your Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals can easily collect residue and begin to smell. Before you have guests over, consider cleaning your garbage disposal to prevent any unpleasant odors when your guests use the sink.

Begin by carefully removing any buildup inside the main catch-all. Then, run a few citrus peels through to neutralize any leftover scent. Afterward, thoroughly wipe your sink clean, including the faucet.

Wipe Your Fridge Clean

Keeping a clean refrigerator is an important touch when you’re expecting guests. Take some time to wipe all surfaces and any drawers with a lightweight all-purpose cleaner. Vinegar can help to break down most foods or liquids without damaging the finish.

Place items your guests might use, like beverages and snacks, toward the front so they can find them easily. Get rid of anything that’s been in your fridge for too long. Clearing your fridge of clutter is a great way to improve your home’s energy efficiency, too!

Create Easy Access

Kitchens are home to many useful household items that your guests may want to use. Putting these items in easy-to-find places can make it easier for your guests to help themselves and feel at home while also reducing the need for them to rummage through your drawers. Consider making these items easily accessible for your house guests:

• Corkscrews
• Bottle openers
• Hand towels
• Plastic bags
• Extra paper towels
• Garbage bags

Having a clean, comfortable home for your family and guests involves more than just cleaning up. Don’t forget about regular maintenance for your HVAC and plumbing systems. The last thing you want to experience during a dinner party is an AC breakdown or a major leak that floods your home. The experts at Bodine-Scott are here to help. Give us a call at 888-481-8511 to set up an appointment today.

Image provided by Shutterstock

A solar water heater can offer a cost-efficient way to use solar energy to provide hot water to your home. Solar water heating systems rely on solar collectors and storage tanks for their operation. Discover four different types of solar water heaters that you may want to consider for your home in Rockport, Texas.

Active Solar Water Heating Systems

The "active" in active solar water heating systems refers to the work of pumps aiding the circulation of water through them.

Direct Circulation Systems

In areas such as Texas, where the climate is relatively mild, direct solar water heating systems are attractive options. Pumps in these systems circulate water through solar collectors and into the home. As a result, you’ll save energy and money.

Indirect Circulation Systems

These types of systems are common in climates that experience freezing winter weather. Indirect systems use pumps to circulate a heat-transfer liquid through the collectors and a heat-exchanging unit. The exchanger heats the water before it enters the home.

Passive Solar Water Heating Systems

Passive solar water heating systems don’t rely on mechanical pumps to move water through them.

Integral Collector-Storage Passive Systems

Integral collector-storage passive systems function by transferring cold water through solar collectors. The collectors preheat the water; the water then enters a conventional water heater for storage. Integral collector-storage systems work best in climates such as Texas that don’t typically witness freezing temperatures Therefore, you should consider this type for your home.

Thermosiphon Systems

These systems work on the principle of warm water rising and cool water sinking. As the sun’s rays come into contact with the solar collectors, water inside the collector tubes heats and expands slightly. The warm water becomes lighter than the cold water in a storage tank installed above the solar collectors.

Gravity pulls the colder water from the tank and into a collecting area. The cold water moves the heated water through the collecting area and into the top of the storage tank where the water gets heated.

If you’re considering a solar water heater for your home, contact the professionals at Bodine-Scott. We’re here to help you decide the correct solar water heater for your home. Call us today at 888-481-8511 to learn more about solar water heaters.

Image provided by Shutterstock

For any HVAC system to operate efficiently, it needs the correct capacity for your home in Kingsville, Texas. Find out why having your HVAC system sized by a professional can promote better comfort, energy savings and fewer breakdowns.

You’ll Experience Fewer System Breakdowns

Keeping a house comfortably cool or warm is a Herculean task for an HVAC system that’s too small. In this case, your system will likely cycle on and off frequently to maintain a consistent temperature inside your home. This frequent cycling can take its toll on the components of your HVAC system. Over time, that can result in system breakdowns. Having a correctly sized HVAC system will prevent premature wear and tear.

You’ll Improve Your Home’s Comfort

Operating a unit that’s too big is no wiser than running an HVAC system that’s too small. Consider this scenario: Moisture vapor condenses on a cold air conditioning coil in a similar way that moisture vapor condenses on a cold glass of water. When this condensation occurs, it removes humidity from the air, making the air feel cooler.

If your HVAC system is too large for your home, it’ll run so infrequently that it won’t be able to remove much moisture vapor from the air. This type of operation can negatively impact your home’s indoor air quality by creating high humidity levels.

You’ll Reap the Benefits of Energy Savings

When your HVAC system is the correct size for your house, you won’t constantly reach for the thermostat to keep the inside of your home comfortable. But comfort isn’t the only benefit you’ll appreciate. You’ll also enjoy energy savings on your home utility bills each month.

When coupled with regular maintenance checks, a properly sized HVAC system will serve your household well today and into the future. To find out if your heating and cooling system is sized appropriately for your home, contact Bodine-Scott at 888-481-8511.

Image provided by Shutterstock

The temperatures in Corpus Christi, Texas, are starting to heat up, which means homeowners will turn their air conditioners on soon. That also means that you’ll soon start to see your energy bills increase. But believe it or not, there are ways to save money through the cooling season. Read on to learn how homeowners save with solar energy.

Save By Installing Solar Panels in Your Home

In the last decade, solar panel installation costs have decreased while electricity prices have increased. As a result, more homeowners have made the switch to solar energy to save on utility costs and help the environment. Since Texas receives a lot of sunshine throughout the year, it’s the perfect place to utilize solar energy.

When you install solar panels in your home, they work to generate a large portion of its power. As a result, it reduces your reliance on traditional power sources. For example, you can install solar energy panels to only power your HVAC system, appliances and lighting. By using solar energy as an alternate power source in your home, you’ll also be able to negotiate a lower rate with your electricity company. Here’s how else you save with a solar energy installation:

• Receive financial incentives from the federal government.
• Reduce your dependency on electricity and lower monthly energy bills.
• Sell surplus energy that your solar panels produce back to the electric grid.
• Increase your home’s resale value – not necessarily a savings, but definitely a profit.
• Connect your water heater to the solar energy panels to receive cheaper hot water.
• Reduce your negative impact on – and help save – the environment.

Let Us Help You Harness the Power of Solar Energy

If you’re thinking about investing in solar energy, let the solar specialists at Bodine-Scott help. We’ve helped dozens of home and business owners reduce their energy costs by harnessing the power of solar energy. Call us today at 888-481-8511 to learn more.

Image provided by Thinkstock

The peak of cooling season is right around the corner in Corpus Christi, Texas. For many homeowners, that means relying heavily on air conditioning today and paying the price for it tomorrow. But you don’t have to pay exorbitant energy bills to feel comfortable in your home. Here’s why you should schedule a home energy audit this spring:

First: Perform DIY Tasks to Save Energy

Before scheduling a professional home energy audit, perform one yourself. That way, when a professional inspects your home, he or she will find the most problematic energy wasters. Here are some DIY tasks to perform to save energy:

• Seal all air leaks around windows and doors.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient alternatives.
• Make sure your HVAC system’s air filter is clean.
• Properly vent your combustion appliances.
• Check that your hot water pipes and furnace ducts are insulated.

Second: Find Out Where You’re Wasting Energy

After performing a DIY energy audit, schedule a professional home energy audit. As a result, you’ll get a better picture of the areas of your home that are wasting the most energy. When looking for an HVAC contractor to perform the home energy audit, make sure that he or she participates in the ENERGY STAR Home Performance Program.

During the home energy audit, the professional will:

• Inspect your entire home one room at a time
• Evaluate past and present utility costs
• Conduct a blower door test
• Perform a thermographic inspection
• Measure air infiltration using Perfluorocarbon tracer gas

Third: Lower Your Energy Bills This Summer

The professional home energy audit will give you the information you need to maximize efficiency in your home. Afterward, you must make the necessary changes, improvements and upgrades to lower your monthly energy costs.

Are you interested in scheduling a home energy audit this spring? Contact Bodine-Scott at 888-481-8511 to ensure your summer energy bills are more of a pleasant surprise than an unexpected shock.

Image provided by Thinkstock

The pollen reports for Corpus Christi, Texas, indicate that spring is officially here. In fact, the pollen levels are already at their seasonal peak. Tree pollen is highly active. At the moment, the top allergens are oak, ash and hackberry. If you suffer from allergies, follow these four tips to ease springtime allergy symptoms and breathe easier:

Keep Windows and Doors Closed

Stopping pollen from entering your home is key to easing allergy symptoms. When the local pollen count is high, keep your home’s windows and doors closed. Remember to also set your air conditioner to re-circulate to avoid drawing in outdoor air that’s rich in pollen.

Stays Indoors During Certain Times

Pollen counts are at their highest between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. Staying inside during this period can help ease allergy symptoms. You should also limit going outside on days that are especially warm, dry and windy. Conversely, the best time for allergy sufferers to perform outdoor activities is immediately after a heavy rainfall.

Wash, Wash and Wash Some More

Removing pollen is the name of the game. Make it a habit to wash your hands and face every time you return home. Change and wash clothes frequently too. To keep pollen off your bedding, you should bathe and shampoo your hair every day before going to bed. Remember to also wash bedding in hot and soapy water at least once per week.

Maintain Healthy Indoor Air Quality

When pollen counts are at their highest, your home becomes a sanctuary. But for ultimate protection, you must maintain healthy air quality inside it. There’s a range of indoor air quality products that help, including air cleaners, ventilators and ultraviolet lights. Use a combination of these devices to keep your home’s air fresh and free from pollen.

Duct cleaning also helps improve your home’s air quality. Contact Bodine-Scott today at 888-481-8511 to schedule an appointment or learn more about the indoor air quality services we offer to homeowners in Corpus Christi.

Image provided by Thinkstock