Bruce Mech Blog

As the temperatures begin to rise and the days grow longer, springtime in Huntsville, TX, brings a sense of renewal and opportunity for homeowners to make improvements to their homes. One upgrade that can enhance both comfort and energy efficiency is the installation of a smart thermostat.

While smart thermostats offer benefits year-round, spring presents an ideal time to make the switch.

In this article, we’ll explore why spring is the best time to upgrade to a smart thermostat in Huntsville, TX, and the advantages it brings to homeowners in the region. 

Optimal Temperature Transition

Spring marks the transition from colder winter temperatures to warmer summer weather in Huntsville, TX. During this time, homeowners are likely to adjust their thermostats frequently to maintain a comfortable indoor environment as temperatures fluctuate.

By upgrading to a smart thermostat in the spring, homeowners can take advantage of its advanced features, such as programmable schedules and remote temperature control, to seamlessly adjust settings and optimize energy usage as the seasons change. 

Energy Savings

Smart thermostats are designed to optimize energy usage and reduce utility bills by automatically adjusting temperature settings based on occupancy patterns and preferences.

In spring, when temperatures are milder and less extreme compared to summer or winter, homeowners can benefit from the energy-saving capabilities of a smart thermostat without sacrificing comfort.

By programming the thermostat to adjust temperatures based on occupancy schedules and optimizing heating and cooling cycles, homeowners can lower their energy consumption and save money on utility bills throughout the spring months.

Preparation for Summer Cooling

Upgrading to a smart thermostat in spring allows homeowners in Huntsville, TX, to prepare their homes for the upcoming summer cooling season. Smart thermostats offer features such as geofencing, which detects when occupants are away from home and adjusts temperatures accordingly to conserve energy.

Additionally, some smart thermostats can provide insights into energy usage patterns and offer recommendations for optimizing cooling efficiency. By installing a smart thermostat in spring, homeowners can ensure their homes are equipped with the necessary technology to stay cool and comfortable during the hot summer months.

Access to Rebates and Incentives

Many utility and AC companies and government agencies offer rebates and incentives for homeowners who upgrade to energy-efficient smart thermostats. By taking advantage of these programs, homeowners can offset the cost of purchasing and installing a smart thermostat. This makes it a more affordable investment.

Spring is an opportune time to explore available rebates and incentives and schedule the installation of a smart thermostat to maximize potential savings. 

Enhanced Comfort and Convenience

Smart thermostats offer homeowners in Huntsville, TX, enhanced comfort and convenience through features such as remote temperature control, voice commands, and integration with smart home automation systems.

With a smart thermostat, homeowners can adjust temperature settings from anywhere using their smartphone or tablet.

You can have the heating or cooling on low mode while you are not at home, and then when you are about to get home, you can turn on the heating or cooling to your preferred levels. 

Additionally, smart thermostats can learn occupants’ preferences over time and automatically adjust settings to optimize comfort while minimizing energy usage.

Compatibility with HVAC Upgrades

Spring is a popular time for homeowners to schedule HVAC maintenance or upgrades in preparation for the summer cooling season. Installing a smart thermostat during this time allows homeowners to ensure compatibility with their existing HVAC system or any upgrades they plan to make.

Smart thermostats are compatible with most heating and cooling systems, including traditional furnaces, heat pumps, and ductless mini-split systems, making them a versatile and future-proof investment for homeowners in Huntsville, TX.

Environmental Impact

Everyone in America and across the world is concerned with the state of the world, particularly related to the environment. Sometimes it feels like there isn’t anyone can do to prevent the destruction of Mother Earth.

But baby steps are still steps, baby, as they say. Upgrading to a smart thermostat is something you can do to reduce your environmental impact and to get some financial side benefits. 

By optimizing energy usage and reducing overall consumption, smart thermostats help lower carbon emissions associated with heating and cooling homes. In addition to walking more, using less fast fashion, and reducing your use of disposable plastic, a smart thermostat can help you save the world one day at a time. 

In spring, when energy demands are typically lower compared to peak summer or winter months, transitioning to a smart thermostat can have a significant positive effect on the environment. Homeowners in Huntsville, TX, can take pride in reducing their carbon footprint while enjoying the comfort and convenience of a smart thermostat.

Integration with Renewable Energy Sources

Smart thermostats are compatible with renewable energy sources such as solar panels or geothermal systems, allowing homeowners to maximize the efficiency and sustainability of their homes’ energy systems.

If you haven’t already considered putting in solar panels on your home, then spring is a great time to do that as well. You can start taking advantage of the dozens of rebates from the American government and reducing your energy bills further. 

In spring, as renewable energy production increases with longer daylight hours and milder weather conditions, integrating a smart thermostat with renewable energy sources becomes even more beneficial.

Homeowners can leverage their smart thermostat’s capabilities to prioritize the use of renewable energy and further reduce reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for Huntsville, TX, and beyond.

Get a Smart Thermostat in the Spring for Max Benefit

There’s an ideal time for everything. You don’t purchase a bicycle in the summer, but in the autumn when everyone is getting rid of theirs. 

And you should get a smart thermostat in the spring so you can garner a host of benefits. 

In Huntsville, TX, Bruce Mech Air Conditioning and Heating is a trusted family-owned HVAC company ready to help you with any of your HVAC, indoor air quality, or thermostat needs. We offer convenient financial options for anyone in need.

Learn more about our services and pricing by contacting us today.

It’s no secret that Texas is hot, and it’s getting hotter all the time. Last year, we recorded our second hottest summer on record, with average temperatures of 85.3 degrees and crushing heat waves that pushed temperatures into the triple digits throughout most of the state.

If you don’t look back on that time with fondness, now may be a good opportunity for a pre-season AC tune-up.

Getting early AC maintenance can help you check for issues and prepare your system for the months ahead. Even better, it may help you avoid shutdowns and other nightmares that could leave you to bake in the suffocating heat!

If you’re not sold on this maintenance approach, read on to learn why we recommend it.

Why Should I Get an AC Tune-up?

First things first: let’s talk about why professional HVAC maintenance is something you won’t want to skip. Even if your AC runs fine and you don’t think you need an expert tune-up, here are a few benefits to consider.

Enhanced Efficiency

A well-maintained machine always runs more smoothly than one with ongoing issues. With proper cleaning, lubrication, inspection, and maintenance, you’ll ensure that your system won’t struggle to keep your home cool when it counts.

Consistent Comfort

Want to make sure your home stays comfortable? The best way is to prevent breakdowns before they happen. With an AC technician to inspect your system, you can catch minor issues before they snowball into major (and expensive) headaches.

Lower Bills

Catching repairs early, while your AC issues are still small, means you’ll often pay less for a fix. In addition, the higher efficiency of a well-maintained system translates to lower monthly energy bills.

Better Indoor Air Quality

We love spring and summer for their colorful blooms, but those flowers also bring allergens like pollen. Combine that with common household contaminants like pet dander, dust, mold spores, and more, and you have a recipe for poor air quality! Proper cleaning and maintenance during a tune-up can help your HVAC better filter your home’s air.

Longer Lifespan

Air conditioners are expensive. A new installation will run you an average of $5,860, depending on the type and model you choose. To lengthen the lifespan of your current system, dodge breakdowns, and avoid a monumental last-minute expense, make sure to schedule a tune-up!

Maintaining Your Warranty

Most warranty agreements require you to get a professional AC and heating tune-up on a set schedule. Often, this is around once a year. If you fail to do so, your warranty may not cover future repairs.

What Happens During an AC Tune-up?

Let’s dig into the details: how does an AC tune-up help? During this session, a technician will inspect your system, do some minor AC cleaning, take care of small repairs, and perform routine maintenance tasks.

You can expect the following from your appointment:

• Checking pressure and temperature levels
• Cleaning evaporator and condenser coils
• Lubricating moving parts
• Checking fluid levels
• Assessing airflow
• Cleaning blowers and fans
• Adjusting blower belts
• Checking, cleaning, and straightening fins
• Inspecting and tightening electrical components
• Testing and calibrating the thermostat
• Flushing and cleaning traps, drains, and drain lines
• Inspecting vents, registers, and ducts

If the technician runs into any issues they can’t fix on the spot, they’ll help you schedule a follow-up appointment for HVAC repairs. This is often necessary if a part of your system has broken and a replacement needs to be ordered.

Why Get a Pre-Season AC Tune-up?

The timing of your AC maintenance matters more than you might expect. Though we recommend getting professional heating and cooling maintenance at least once every year, it’s a good idea to get your AC checked before the summer heat sets in.

There are two main reasons for this:

Preparedness

As mentioned, summers here in Texas are no joke, and even our springtime temperatures can get uncomfortably warm. Your AC has to work even harder to keep up with your cooling needs on hot days, but this effort can be too much for a poorly maintained system. Though there’s never a good time for your AC to break down, the last thing you want is for problems to crop up on a scorching day.

Dealing with a hot, stuffy home while outdoor temperatures creep into the triple digits isn’t just frustrating; it’s bad for your health! These temperatures expose you and your household to conditions like heatstroke, and the risk is even higher for people who are elderly or have certain health conditions.

Preparing your system well in advance of extreme weather ensures that it’s ready for anything Mother Nature can throw at it. It also protects your household’s health and comfort.

Better Availability

If you forget about AC service until the temperatures climb, you won’t be alone! Many people don’t think about tune-ups, repairs, or servicing until the start of summer.

This means most AC companies are busy or even overloaded with work in warm weather. If you’re trying to get maintenance during the most hectic months of the year, you may have to wait a while to get an appointment.

By scheduling pre-season service, you can keep your Conroe HVAC in peak condition without long delays. Even better, some companies offer special deals and financing to attract customers during the slower months. If you don’t have a maintenance plan, this can be a great way to save money.

Contact Bruce Mechanical for AC Tune-Up Services in Spring, TX

We get it: it’s always tempting to put off expenses when you can safely do so. However, a pre-season AC tune-up isn’t something to delay! Because they help you get your air conditioner ready for the summer heat, these maintenance appointments are crucial ways to avoid damage, ensure your comfort, and much more.

When you’re ready to stay cool and comfortable year-round, trust the team at Bruce Mech Air Conditioning and Heating! Our professional services are top-tier while also remaining cost-effective, with plenty of financing options and specials to help.

To benefit from our flexible scheduling and same-day service availability, schedule a pre-season tune-up now. We’re proud to serve Conroe, Houston, Spring, Humble, Huntsville, and the surrounding areas.

So, you’ve finally decided to build your new home in Humble, TX.

Congratulations! You’ve made a wise investment choice.

One thing that makes a new construction home a sound investment is that you can design it as energy-efficient as possible. And the more energy-efficient it is, the less energy it uses, and the lower your utility bills. Lowering energy consumption also helps you become more eco-friendly, as it reduces your reliance on fossil fuels.

Fortunately, designing homes for efficiency is now easier, thanks to modern HVAC solutions. This is an excellent place to start, considering HVAC use accounts for over half of a household’s energy consumption yearly.

To that end, we created this guide discussing energy-efficient HVAC products and services for your new Humble, TX, home. Read on to discover what they are and how they can help you save money during winter.

HVAC Solutions Tailored to New Construction Homes

According to the latest available data, in West South Central, which includes Texas, 100% of new single-family homes started in 2022 had central AC installed. So, people who buy these existing, albeit “new,” homes often get central AC and heating with their purchase.

A central HVAC system uses ducts to distribute conditioned air throughout a home. They’re popular since they’re quiet, convenient, and more efficient than room ACs or portable heaters.

However, central HVAC systems aren’t perfect; for example, incorrectly sized systems use more energy than needed. Improper duct installation can also lead to hot and cold spots that waste energy. There’s also the issue of air duct leakage, which can waste up to 40% of heating and cooling energy.

This is where the perks of tailored HVAC solutions come into play.

Proper HVAC Sizing

Proper HVAC installation starts with evaluating your new construction home’s size and layout.

A highly experienced HVAC technician will perform an on-site assessment during this step. This allows the professional to determine the appropriate capacity of your new HVAC system. They’ll discuss this with you and help you avoid buying an oversized or undersized system.

What’s Wrong With an Oversized HVAC?

An oversized HVAC system can heat (or cool) your home quickly. While this may seem like a perk, it’s not because a home that warms up too fast can cause discomfort.

An HVAC system that’s too big can also waste money through short cycling. This is when a unit turns on and off more often than it should. Every time it does this, it consumes more energy.

Short cycling also promotes faster equipment wear and tear. This can make your system more prone to early breakdowns that may warrant emergency heating repairs.

What About an Undersized System?

An undersized HVAC system will take too long to heat (or cool) your home. This can force you to turn the thermostat several notches up (or down) to make your home feel more comfortable. Unfortunately, every time you do this, your system has to work harder and use more energy.

Your System, Your Choice

Do you want to ditch air ducts but feel worried that you won’t be able to make your home comfortable enough without them?

Don’t worry. Modern HVAC solutions still have you covered with a ductless mini-split HVAC system. This can be more efficient than a central system since it doesn’t need ducts, which are prone to energy wastage.

Another money-saving benefit of mini-split systems is their zoning feature. Each zone has a dedicated thermostat, which you can turn on, off, or adjust whenever needed. You can heat (or cool) only the zones where people are in and turn off those that are for unused rooms.

Selection of HVAC Systems With Higher Efficiency Ratings

Consider investing in an Energy Star HVAC system to enjoy even more winter (and summer!) savings.

Energy Star-qualified heat pumps can save up to 20% on heating and cooling bills. An Energy Star furnace is also about 15% more efficient than a typical furnace.

Availability of Smart Features

HVAC solutions for new construction homes include equipment with intelligent control features. For example, they can detect changes in indoor humidity and outdoor and indoor temperatures. They can then automatically adjust their settings to create your desired indoor environment.

Intelligent HVAC systems also help you save money with remote control features. For example, using a mobile app, you can turn the heating on or off or adjust it while you’re outside. This results in your system using less energy, and you get to enjoy lower heating bills.

HVAC Maintenance Plans

When you buy a new HVAC system for your new home, you’ll have the option to purchase a service plan for it, too. This includes a multi-point inspection and preventative tune-up performed by a licensed technician. Some plans provide a once-yearly service (e.g., in spring), while others have two (one in the spring, another in the fall).

Now, you may wonder why you must maintain your brand-new HVAC system. For one, this is a manufacturer’s requirement for warranty compliance. So, failure to comply with this can lead to your HVAC warranty becoming invalid.

Most importantly, maintenance helps keep your HVAC system in good condition by:

• Changing or cleaning the air filters
• Calibrating the thermostat
• Cleaning critical components like the blower, motor, heat exchanger, pilot light, and burners
• Checking gas pipe condition and ensuring there are no leaks

The last one is essential for your safety, as gas leaks can harm your health.

At the very least, maintenance can help you save money by lowering the risk of premature breakdowns and costly HVAC repair services.

For HVAC New Construction Solutions in Spring, TX Contact Bruce Mechanical

A new construction home allows you to design for efficiency, so take advantage of this by investing in efficient HVAC solutions. This can help cut your energy bills without compromising comfort.

Bruce Mech Air Conditioning and Heating can help make your new home comfier and more energy-efficient. We’ve been serving customers from Humble to Houston, TX, since 2012. You can rely on our competitively priced products and 24/7 emergency services.

So, call us today! We’ll happily share our expertise so you can invest in the right HVAC system.

Despite its southern latitude, the weather in Texas can get fairly cold. That’s particularly obvious this winter, thanks to a Super El Niño.

In times like these, a homeowner’s best friend is their furnace. Like most friends, though, furnaces aren’t infallible. They can stop cooperating at the most inopportune time, leaving you scrambling to find extra blankets.

Fortunately, there are a few ways to tell if you’ll need an emergency furnace repair before it breaks down. Here are 11 warning signs your furnace will need some help to carry you through the winter!

1. Orange or Yellow Pilot Light

Every furnace has a pilot light. This is a small flame that serves as an ignition source for furnaces, water heaters, and similar appliances. When the furnace is operating properly, the pilot light should be mostly blue.

If the light is orange or yellow, this means the gas isn’t burning hot enough. This usually indicates a combustion issue or a carbon monoxide leak. The latter can be very dangerous, and you should deal with it right away.

2. Strange Furnace Smells

When you first install a furnace, strange smells are a common occurrence. If the furnace isn’t new, though, any odor is a reason for concern. A musky smell, for instance, usually means you should change the air filter.

One particularly worrisome odor is the rotten egg smell. This is caused by a chemical gas companies often add to natural gas, which is otherwise odorless. It serves as a warning that there is a gas leak you have to address.

3. Uneven Heating

Uneven heat output from a furnace can be tricky to spot. After all, different areas in your home will have different temperatures. Still, big temperature differences in a similar environment don’t happen on their own.

As one of the most common furnace issues, uneven heating can occur for many reasons. These include dust obstruction, clogged filters, and so on. An HVAC technician should be able to pinpoint the exact cause.

4. Constant Fan Noise

Is your furnace fan running continuously and refusing to shut off? If so, the first thing you should do is rule out human error. You can do that by confirming that your thermostat is set to “auto” rather than “on.”

If this doesn’t solve the issue, there’s likely some miscommunication between the furnace and thermostat. This could be due to a mechanical failure or an electrical issue with the furnace or thermostat.

5. The Unit Won’t Turn On

The older your furnace is, the harder it is to get it to turn on. At some point, most furnaces will require multiple attempts to start. In this situation, it’s usually a good idea to hire a professional to take a look at it.

Chances are, these issues will be simple to fix. For example, all you may need to do is replace your secondary heat exchangers. That said, if the furnace is over 15 years old, it may be better to get a new one.

6. Sparks and Flames

Like with most appliances, sparks coming from a furnace aren’t good news. Common culprits include a dirty igniter and a malfunctioning flame sensor. These issues usually lead to the ignitor failing to activate the burners.

If your furnace is sparking, shut it off immediately. Then, contact emergency HVAC services to get to the root of the problem. If you keep the furnace operational, those sparks will quickly become flames.

7. Unusual Furnace Noises

Furnace noises come in many forms. A few of them, like a quiet whirring sound, indicate a furnace is working as intended. Others, such as tapping from a loose fan belt, can wait until the next maintenance visit.

Noises you should pay attention to include screeching, rattling, and banging. These noises tend to suggest serious issues, like a damaged blower motor. If you’re unsure of the source, it’s best to inspect the unit ASAP.

8. CO Alarms

All modern furnaces come with a carbon monoxide detector. If this detector sounds an alarm, there’s a high chance of a carbon monoxide leak. As mentioned above, this is a clear sign you need emergency HVAC services.

Of course, not every CO alarm alert will mean you’re dealing with a gas leak. Benign issues like flue obstruction can trigger alarms as well. Still, even the possibility of a gas leak is too significant to ignore.

9. Water Leaks

If you notice water spillage next to your furnace, you likely have a leak. This usually happens due to condensation. For instance, broken condensate lines or a clogged condensation drain can both create puddles.

Other times, the issues behind the leaks will be more complex. These include a clog in the internal drain system and a malfunctioning humidifier. Until you figure out the cause, consider turning the furnace off.

10. Too Much Dust

Are you vacuuming your home more often than you think you should need to? If so, there’s a good chance your furnace is the culprit. As furnaces get older, their air filtration systems won’t work as efficiently as they used to.

One solution to this issue is to have a more robust furnace maintenance plan. Changing the filters more often will help the furnace do its job better. Again, though, if the furnace is on its last legs, you may need to replace it.

11. High Energy Bills

It doesn’t take a genius to know that your energy bills will be higher in the winter. Still, sudden upward trends can indicate all sorts of energy use issues, many of which you can fix. One of them is an inefficient furnace.

A poorly-maintained furnace will have to work harder to heat your home. If you want it to perform adequately, service it once a year. These inspections are a good opportunity to get in front of most of the issues outlined above.

Contact Bruce Mechanical for Emergency Furnace Repair in Spring, TX

It’s not unreasonable to say that a healthy furnace is vital to keeping your home safe. If you notice any of these warning signs, your best bet is to hire a professional HVAC technician to inspect the unit right away.

Looking for an experienced HVAC technician in Spring, TX? At Bruce Mech Air Conditioning and Heating, we offer 24/7 emergency furnace repair services! Contact us here and we’ll get right back to you!