• Scheduled maintenance: Schedule yearly HVAC maintenance to keep the inside of your HVAC equipment free of dust. Not only will this help cut back on allergies, it will also make your equipment run better.
• Change air filters: Air filters trap dust and other particles in your air, but if the filters are clogged, then particles tend to get blown through and around them, or into your system components. Change your filters at least every three months, and as frequently as monthly during the high-use season.
• Seal ducts: Have your air ducts sealed to prevent dirty air from being circulated into your home and conditioned air from escaping. Sealed ducts will push all the air through your existing filtration system.
• Add additional air cleaners: If allergies in your house are severe, you may want the additional protection that comes from installing electronic air cleaners or a UV light system in your home. These will eliminate even more allergens.
• Unclutter your house: The less clutter you have in your house the better. Less clutter means fewer surfaces for dust and allergens to stick to. Cleaning is also easier with less clutter.
• Wash and brush pets at least once a week. Frequent cleaning will eliminate most of the irritants that come from your pet.
• Frequent dusting and vacuuming: You should dust and vacuum your home at least once a week. Run the exhaust system while dusting and vacuuming to filter the dust.

Contact us at Hardin Heating & Cooling to learn more about how to allergy-proof your Hill Country home this spring and summer. We also provide a variety of other HVAC services from our Kerrville base.

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

Hardin Heating & Cooling services the Hill Country area in Texas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

The Energy Savers’ website provides a link for homeowners to enter in their zip code to find recommendations for home insulation for the entire envelope of the home. It also provides a calculation that will let you know if your attic has enough insulation. For instance, if you have fiberglass batt insulation, to determine the R-value of the insulation, simply measure the height of the insulation and multiply that value by 3.2. If your attic already contains fiberglass loose fill insulation, measure the average height of the insulation and multiply the value by 2.5.

In league with adequate attic insulation, a whole-house fan will help cool down your attic in the summer. An improperly insulated attic can create the “chimney effect” by sucking conditioned air up into the attic and out of the house. Moreover, when heat is allowed to build up in the attic, that makes it very difficult to efficiently cool the rest of the home. Adding insulation can save substantially on your cooling and heating bills and provide a comfortable living environment when coupled with an efficient HVAC system.

If you live in Hill Country, contact Hardin Heating & Cooling, based in Kerrville, for more information on how to save on your heating and cooling costs.

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

Hardin Heating & Cooling services the Hill Country area in Texas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

One of the most common issues that is addressed during routine air conditioner maintenance is refrigerant leaks. Catching a small leak before your system shifts into high demand is essential for several reasons. The first is that refrigerant is expensive; a leak that’s getting worse will cost you more in the long run. The second is that if refrigerant enters your A/C system and reacts with moisture, it can turn into a corrosive acid and further damage the compressor, orifice tubes, and evaporators and condensers. A technician can catch and rectify leaks early, and prevent any negative effects from their onset.

Scheduled air conditioner maintenance helps ensure that your equipment is operating at maximum efficiency. When the hot weather hits and sticks around, an A/C system that keeps you comfortable while keeping costs down is essential. Not only will air conditioner efficiency save you money, you’ll also be protecting the environment by using less energy. The technician who visits your home will improve your system’s efficiency by replacing any parts that show signs of wear and tear, as well as pre-empting minor problems that could later become larger issues.

To schedule air conditioner maintenance, contact us Hardin Heating & Cooling. We can also offer advice on other elements of home comfort. We’ve been serving the Texas Hill Country since 1980.

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

Hardin Heating & Cooling services the Hill Country area in Texas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

While you can take steps to keep the equipment as clean as possible, particularly severe dust storms may require the help of an HVAC technician to reach the internal parts and clean the wiring and electrical connections. Use these guidelines after a dust storm to protect your HVAC equipment from further damage:

• Remove the airborne debris from the outdoor compressor. The system relies on a having plenty of free air space to operate at top efficiency. If leaves or branches have blown onto or close to the compressor, remove them.
• Hose the exposed fins with a mild spray of water. The dust that collects on the fins insulates them and slows the refrigerant cooling process. The fins may bend under a high pressure spray.
• Inspect the filter for your air handler. After dust storms, you have more airborne particulates inside your home. Clean or change the filters regularly to improve your system’s efficiency.

Contact an HVAC technician who can help you with these tasks:

• Cleaning the electrical contacts for the compressor. When dirt gets inside the wiring, it interrupts a steady flow of electricity, causing your system to operate inefficiently.
• Testing the refrigerant levels.  When dust is allowed to accumulate on the outdoor coils, it can erode the coils and create refrigerant leaks. When the system loses enough pressure, your air conditioner won’t run. If the technician finds that your levels are low, he will look for leaks, repair or replace the parts, and then add the refrigerant.

We at Hardin Heating & Cooling have been providing HVAC services in the Hill Country since 1986. We can assist you with seasonal and emergency maintenance for your HVAC equipment to keep it running at its best. Contact us to learn more.

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

Hardin Heating & Cooling services the Hill Country area in Texas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

A geothermal system lowers lifetime costs by tapping into the stable temperatures underground, which vary little, regardless of the soil’s surface temperature. In the winter, the underground coils of a geothermal heat pump harvest the heat and bring it indoors. In the summer, the pump removes the heat from your home and sends it back into the soil. A geothermal heat pump can also be outfitted to provide hot water for your home.

Besides efficiently exploiting the natural heat underground, these heat pumps’ lifetime costs are low because they use fewer system components than other kinds of HVAC systems. The underground pipes can last up to 50 years and the above-ground parts up to 25. Geothermal heat pumps don’t need outdoor compressors, which take space in the yard, create noise and require routine service. All the parts for these heat pumps are either underground or inside a building, where they’re protected from the elements.

Federal tax credits also exist for families who install a geothermal heat pump that meets Department of Energy requirements. The credits cover 30 percent of the cost of the pump and its installation, increasing both your short- and long-term savings.

If you would like to learn more about a geothermal heat pump and its suitability for your home, contact Hardin Heating & Cooling. We have been providing HVAC services for the Hill Country since 1980. We are a NATE-certified HVAC contractor, the highest distinction in the industry.

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

Hardin Heating & Cooling services the Hill Country area in Texas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

With that in mind, here are five simple steps you can take to ensure that your A/C will help you keep your cool during the long, hot summer here in the Texas Hill Country.

1. Clean up the unit by brushing away any leaves and dirt that have accumulated while it was not in use over the winter. Be sure to remove any debris that may be inside, on, or around it.
2. Trim back any nearby trees or shrubs allowing a clearance of at least two feet between bushes or branches and the unit.
3. Call your local HVAC professional for an annual inspection of the air conditioner unit as well as a check-up of the entire ventilation system inside and out. If there are any issues, address them immediately, before a minor fix becomes a major repair or replacement.
4. If you use a window unit as your air conditioner, if possible, try placing it out of the sun, on the north side of your house. It will last longer and run more efficiently by not having to work so hard.
5. Change the filter in the system at the start of the season and set the thermostat to cooling mode. Let it run for a few minutes to make sure that it’s working. Continue to replace the filter on a regular basis for cleaner, cooler air.

Hardin Heating and Cooling is here to assist with all your HVAC needs. We offer unparalleled service and selection to the residents of Kerrville, Marble Falls and the surrounding area. We also believe in keeping your house comfortable while keeping our prices affordable.

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

Hardin Heating & Cooling services the Hill Country area in Texas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

A geothermal system can be installed in a new construction project or added to an existing home. Depending on the following three factors, though, your geothermal system could look quite different from your neighbor’s:

1. Geology: The properties of the soil and its composition play a large part in the design of the ground loop. For example, soil with good heat-transferring qualities may require less piping, which makes the installation less expensive. Also, if there is hard rock under the surface, vertical loops may be required instead of horizontal ones.
2. Hydrology: The available water is another contributing factor. A lake may be a source of water for either an open- or closed-loop system depending on its volume, depth and water quality. Available groundwater may also be suitable for an open-loop system. Before you choose such a geothermal system, however, check with your installer to ensure they have fully investigated your property’s hydrology to prevent problems such as groundwater contamination.
3. Land Availability: The amount of land on your property, its layout, the landscaping and underground utilities are important in designing a geothermal system. New construction often has room for the most economical horizontal ground loop option while retrofits to existing homes often need a more compact “Slinky” design to minimize disruption of the land and surrounding structures.

Because everyone’s property is laid out differently, it’s important to have your site inspected before selecting one geothermal layout over another. For more information, please contact Hardin Heating and Cooling in Kerrville today.

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

Hardin Heating & Cooling services the Hill Country area in Texas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

1. Change the filters in your air handler. Clean filters are the least expensive and easiest way to help your heating and cooling system last longer and run more efficiently. When dirt enters your air handler, it wears the parts faster and can result in high repair bills. A blower that isn’t receiving enough air runs harder, raising your electric bills.
2. Insulate your water heater. Your water heater is next in line after heating and cooling for using the most energy in your home. When you wrap your heater, you cut down on the standby losses. The blankets are available at home improvement stores. If your water heater is gas, you may need technical assistance.
3. Install a timer to turn the water heater off when you’re not at home or for low demand periods like overnight. Set the timer so that it turns on an hour or two before you’re going to need hot water.
4. Use a programmable thermostat. Like a water heater timer, these thermostats drive energy savings by not using power when you don’t need to. If you’re gone all day, turn the temperature up and program the thermostat to start cooling your home just before you normally get home. Most thermostats have settings that accommodate weekday and weekend temperature preferences, making it easy for you to stay comfortable without any effort.
5. Schedule HVAC maintenance this spring. When HVAC technicians clean and recalibrate the components of your cooling and heating equipment, the energy savings are immediate. Your system is brought back to its manufacturer’s specifications as closely as possible.

Hardin Heating & Cooling has been providing HVAC services for Hill Country households since 1980 and can help you with energy savings this spring. Please contact us so we can help you achieve better efficiency through maintenance or system improvements.

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

Hardin Heating & Cooling services the Hill Country area in Texas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!

• Seal leaks yourself: You can locate and seal leaks in accessible sections of ductwork on your own. Look for leaks with a flashlight, or light a candle near duct connections when the system is operating, to find leaks. Then seal them with mastic or metal tape. Replace old duct tape with foil tape. Foil tape is more effective and lasts longer than traditional duct tape, which actually isn’t recommended for sealing ducts.
• Seal duct returns: Look for leaks around the vents and return ducts in your home. Seal these leaks with window flashing or caulk, depending on the size of the leak. Tighten the connection between duct sections and seal with metal tape.
• Consider professional help: If your ducts are located in inaccessible areas or seem to be in serious disrepair, hire a trained HVAC professional to complete duct sealing in your home. A professional can seal all leaks in your unit and replace any duct sections that are beyond repair. He may also determine that your ducts need to be cleaned or have insulation added.

If you would like to learn more about duct sealing and other ways you can save money this spring and summer, contact us at Harden Heating & Cooling. We provide Texas Hill Country residents with expert solutions to common HVAC issues, and can increase your cooling and heating system’s energy efficiency while reducing energy bills.

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

Hardin Heating & Cooling services the Hill Country area in Texas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today! 

Here are five key factors to consider when you are shopping for a carbon monoxide detector:

• Sensor – There are two main types of sensors used in carbon monoxide detectors, solid-state and passive sensors. Solid-state sensors are typically found in detectors connected to the household current. They display current air readings continuously, take readings, and purge themselves completely in order to re-sample the air as needed. Passive sensors are found in battery-operated detectors and react to prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide. As such, it takes longer to detect problems and to reset itself.
• Power Source – As stated above, you can choose between a detector that is installed into the main power supply of the house or you can buy a battery-operated one. A main current carbon monoxide detector takes considerably more effort to install, but once it’s set up, it doesn’t require any more attention. A battery-powered detector is portable and much easier to install, but takes more upkeep, just keeping the batteries fresh.
• Maintenance – While a detector that has been installed into the main household current does not need any maintenance over its lifespan, a battery-powered detector requires battery and sensor replacements every two to three years, which can cost up to $20 each time.
• Life Span – The lifespan of a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector’s sensor is estimated to be approximately seven years, whereas the household current detectors can last up to 10 years.
• UL listed – Whether you choose to invest in a battery-powered detector or one that’s connected to the main power, it’s important to make sure that the CO detector you purchase conforms to the minimum sensitivity and alarm requirements. Never install a detector that has not been listed as acceptable by the Underwriters Laboratory (UL).

For more information about carbon monoxide detectors, contact the Texas Hill Country experts at Hardin Heating and Cooling.

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

Hardin Heating & Cooling services the Hill Country area in Texas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!