A residential air filter works using mesh materials that trap tiny particles as air blows through it. This type of filter is also known as a media filter. Typically, air filters are installed near the indoor unit of your furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump. All of the air supplied flows through the filter before…
Signs Your AC May Need a Refrigerant Change All air conditioning systems contain refrigerant, which serves a vital role in cooling your home. Refrigerant is what helps to cool the air that pumps out of the supply vents in your home. Freon, a type of refrigerant, goes through a recurring cycle as it travels through…
Energy bills represent one of the largest costs of living, whether you’re a homeowner or live in an apartment or condo. No matter what weather extremes you may face, summer heat or winter cold, there are several ways to keep your energy bills manageable. Here are some tips: Change Filters Often Air-conditioning units and heating…
It can be quite alarming when your air conditioning system starts to emit a musty smell as this can often be an indicator of deep-seated issues within your air conditioning system that may need to be resolved by an experienced professional. By understanding the causes of the musty smell and taking action, you can ensure…
At home, we have numerous electrical appliances. All these work on the specific voltage under the given electrical technology. If a sudden spike occurs in voltage, can you guess what will happen? Your electrical device will stop working immediately! A surge protector acts as the first line of defense in sudden power surges above standard…
At the beginning of every day, you’re probably already wondering how to stay cool through the night ahead, since there’s nothing worse than waking up sweaty in the morning. If you struggle with this problem, then you might think about getting a whole house fan. Whole house fans (also known as attic fans, roof vents,…
Cleaning Your Condenser Coil Condenser coils are located outside of your home in the condensing unit. The condenser coil and condensing fan serve the same purpose as the radiator in your car. The condensing coil takes the heat from your home that is absorbed by your evaporator coil and releases it outside. Why Does It…
Turning Your Heater On for Winter During the hot North Texas summers, your air conditioner does all the work to keep your home comfortable for your family, but what happens when the first blast of Arctic air blows through to kick off the winter season? It’s time to turn on your heater for the first…
Choosing the right air filter is important for many reasons. Using the wrong air filter can raise your energy bill, impact your indoor air quality, and even create the need for more repairs on your HVAC system over time. There are various factors to consider when purchasing filters. In this blog we discuss some of…
Running the AC and having the windows open at the same time generally isn’t a good idea. In short, it’s a waste of the air conditioning and can impact the air quality inside a home. Opening windows defeats how an air conditioning or HVAC system functions. When windows are open, the airflow of the system…
Dust, dander, allergens, mold, and other harmful airborne particles have no place in your home. Unfortunately, it’s likely that your standard, low-grade filter isn’t doing much to capture these unwanted visitors. This isn’t good for anyone, but especially not for people living with allergies or asthma. Electronic air cleaners fight to contain these particles and…
So, you bought a new thermostat and are wondering if you can install it yourself? For some, thermostat wiring is a DIY job, but we won’t blame you if you opt for a local pro to handle the work. We’ll give you all the information you need to successfully install your new thermostat! Before you…
Fall is the time when plants and trees become dormant, leaves start to fall from trees, and the weather starts to get a bit colder. If you want your family members to be comfortable and the heating and cooling system in good shape, fall is the right time to go through your HVAC maintenance…
If you are wondering how often to clean air ducts, you probably suspect your home’s air is not in ideal shape; you may even be concerned about your family’s health. Fortunately, you don’t need to do it all that often to ensure the safe and proper running of your home’s heating and cooling…
As we enter into August, the extreme heat continues to place a strain on the Dallas-Fort Worth area air conditioners and many homeowners remain concerned with finding ways to cut their energy costs. There is one great way to do just that while still remaining comfortable in your home: use your ceiling fan!…
One of the most important parts of your air conditioning unit is its refrigerant lines. The refrigerant lines connect the outdoor unit to the evaporator coil, which pumps refrigerant past a blower fan and through your home’s vents. This process produces the wonderfully cooled air that alleviates the discomfort of stuffy summer days, but…
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the best way to improve indoor air quality is to get rid of the source of pollutants and ventilate your interior spaces with clean outdoor air. While air purifiers can reduce airborne pollutants, they cannot eliminate them. They also can’t clear the dust, dander and other particles that have…
A brownout, often called a voltage slump, is a voltage drop in your electrical system. The name brownout comes from the color of the bulbs, which typically turn brown due to dimming when the voltage drops. In some cases, brownouts may deliberately be brought on by electrical companies to prevent complete voltage drop (blackouts). Brownouts…
Problems with electricity mean your office or household comes to a standstill. To save on money, you may seek the services of an unlicensed electrician or do the electrical repair yourself to get a sense of accomplishment from a successful repair. Unfortunately, electrical repairs do not count as one of the easy and safe home…
A programmable thermostat or a smart thermostat could be one way to save on your heating and cooling expenses. You could save money in the short term and over the long term. New thermostats give owners precise and easy control over their home climate. Programmable thermostats are easier to install and learn to use than…
Even though you may be an avid DIYer, making electrical changes isn’t as straightforward as other home projects, such as painting walls or laying down hardwood floors. Sorting through all the necessary wires and circuits to install new lighting or outlets can be difficult, if not dangerous, for the average person to do on their…
The HVAC unit in your home is one of the most-used appliances, even though it is easy to forget about unless it isn’t working. Fortunately, it’s pretty good about giving signs when it needs servicing. One of the key things that many homeowners notice is a bad aroma coming from the unit, and this is…
One of the most common misconceptions about using an air conditioner is that it is less energy efficient to leave it on all day at a comfortable temperature than to turn the AC unit off when you leave and turn it back on when you arrive home. Turning on the AC when you return home…
The truth is that power surges occur more frequently than you think. Perhaps you thought that it happens every once in a while, maybe when there’s a lightning storm. Amazingly, for an average home, a power surge actually happens about 20 times a day. Half the time, there’s no outside cause. It’s true that these…
Tired of fighting with an outlet that can’t seem to work consistently? We know just how maddening that can be! The experts here at Speedy Electric are here to talk to you about how to troubleshoot and handle a dead outlet, and when it’s time to call in the specialists. Like any good troubleshooting or…
In some of your reading, you’ve likely seen people mention “ungrounded” outlets in homes and buildings. But what makes an ungrounded outlet such a negative? Are they dangerous? Our certified electricians are here with answers to your questions about ungrounded outlets. What Is an Ungrounded Outlet? Ungrounded outlets can be identified by looking at the…
Whether you heat your home with a furnace, boiler, central heating, or an alternative way, there are easy ways to save money on your heating bill. When it comes to energy savings, sometimes it’s the simple things that add up to give you an overall reduction in home heating costs. Here are some ideas…
According to the EPA, indoor air pollutants are up to five times higher than outdoor levels. Germs in the air can cause sickness. Mold, pet dander, dust mites, bacteria, pollen could all be present. Although you may not see these invisible particles circulating throughout your home, they could be quietly jeopardizing your family’s health.…
Last winter, significant snowfall and dangerous cold tested the power grid across the state of Texas. The snow and extreme cold caused ERCOT to declare the highest level of energy emergency in the state of Texas. Oncor and other Texas utility providers rotated electric outages to protect the electric grid. These typically lasted 15…
For some, the holiday season starts the day after Halloween, while others prefer to wait until they’ve carved into the Thanksgiving bird to decorate their home in red and green. Whether you’re an early bird or a week-of decorator, the most important thing about decorating for the holidays is being sure that you do it…
If you’ve been asking yourself, “How often should I service my air conditioner?” It’s probably time! Before summer hits and you’re melting in the scorching heat, make sure you get your AC serviced by a local HVAC professional. Don’t risk voiding your warranty or ending up with a big repair bill by trying to…
Energy experts agree that the incandescent bulb is rapidly becoming a thing of the past. In fact, in 2007, Congress passed the Energy Independence and Security Act, which requires that all light bulbs sold on the market have a 30 percent increase in efficiency over today’s standard incandescent bulbs. The law has already meant…
AC units are crucial to keeping our homes cool during the summer. However, if your home gets stuffy or hot during the winter, you may still be tempted to run the AC and cool yourself off. While it is possible to run your AC when the weather is cold, you should use it with caution. AC…
You and your family rely on your electrical wiring to supply you with all the great modern luxuries you enjoy in your home. Unfortunately, if your home is older than 10 years of age, there is potential that you have out of date wiring and may be putting your home and family at significant…
Air conditioning is one of those wonderful luxuries that we all tend to take for granted. Here in Texas, it might even be considered to be a necessity if you want to enjoy any consistent level of comfort thanks to our notoriously brutal and long summers. So it makes sense to make sure that your…
It may still be hot and humid here in North Central Texas, and with evening temperatures flirting with 100, it’s hard to think about any other seasons. It is August though, and fall truly is just right around the corner! While fall has lots of things to offer, including beautiful foliage and football watch parties,…
As we get closer to summertime and months of high heat, it is well worth it to make sure that your home’s HVAC system is optimally ready to help keep your home cool. If you’ve already scheduled your AC maintenance for the year then you are off to a fantastic start. But this isn’t…
Changing your air filter is one of the simplest things you can do to maintain your heating and cooling system. Unfortunately, it’s also the one thing that many homeowners forget to do. Forgetting about this small yet important task can have a negative impact on your HVAC system’s performance and your home’s overall indoor…
In a split-system air conditioner, your evaporator coil is located inside, away from the condenser. This equipment in the shape of an “A” keeps your home cool and dry all summer long. With this guide, you will know what your evaporator coil does, how to maintain it, common problems and when you need to…
The summer season certainly aggravates the many electrical issues that homeowners find themselves faced with. Here is a helpful list of common issues you may this summer and some tips on how to avoid them: Increased Electrical Overload When sparks from plugs, flickering lights, overheated receptacles, buzzing sounds, and tripped circuit breakers are present, rest…
Air conditioning is an important asset in any home or workplace. Especially in regions of the country where the temperatures climb over 100 degrees, including here in the North Texas area. In these regions, it can become dangerous when the air conditioner is not working properly or, worse still, if it completely breaks down. One…
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimated in the Annual Energy Outlook 2020 that about 1,410 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity were used by the residential sector in the United States in 2019. The top five biggest electricity users in your home are the following: Cooling Number one on the list comes as…
Regardless of whether you’re reading this in a hot or chilly season, your comfort depends upon your HVAC system. It is important to understand the differences between commercial and residential HVAC systems in order to know what you should expect from each one. Here are some main differences to keep in mind when comparing…
The first blast of cool air from your air conditioning unit is always a refreshing introduction to the spring and summer seasons, but without AC that is operating properly, the transition into the warmer months is anything but comfortable. Knowing when to call a professional is important, especially when your air conditioning unit is showing…
Are you considering doing some electrical work on your own? The Internet is full of tips, suggestions, recommendations and ideas about almost every aspect of human life. There are a lot of do-it-yourself or DIY tips and videos on the Internet which promises that you can actually do almost everything on your own. However,…
Our North Texas summers are hard on a HVAC system, and with those sweltering months approaching it is a perfect time to make sure that your heating and air conditioning system is fully primed and ready to go. You might think your system is okay, but professional care is the best way to ensure…
Regularly changing your HVAC system’s air filters will keep your home clean and your family healthy. Take a look at these signs that it might be time to have your air filters replaced. Problems with Allergies or Asthma A clogged filter will increase the air pressure within your ducts. When the air pressure becomes…
As we have all recently witnessed, hurricane activity and winter storms can wreak havoc on the Texas power grid, despite our best efforts. A home generator can alleviate concerns like these and allow homeowners to sit out a storm in relative comfort. If you’re in the market for this emergency power source, we’re here…
Heating your home all winter long can add up fast. But it’s also a necessary part of surviving the through until Spring. So, to keep your heating bill in check while staying cozy and warm, try these clever ideas: Close up any cracks in your window frames Even a tiny one can allow a…
When the chilly weather finally arrives, and you must turn on your furnace for the first time after many months of non-use, the last thing you want to find is that it’s not working. Or, even worse, you discover that it’s blowing cold air! It can be incredibly frustrating to have to deal with…
Reducing the number of pollutant-causing sources within your home is an excellent first step towards enhancing your home’s air quality. Of course, before you can limit pollutants and remove their sources, you have to know precisely what you’re looking for. The most common pollutants found within modern homes include secondhand smoke from tobacco products, debris…
Your home is unique, and so are its needs when it comes to heating. There are different types of furnaces available to choose from, ensuring you have the most effective and efficient heating solution for your home at any time. Learning the basics of these furnace types can help you make the most informed…
You’ve seen the commercials where space heaters are promoted as the amazing machine that will help you save money on your heating bills. What is the cost to run a space heater? The total cost to operate this type of heating system will vary depending on a couple of factors. Forced-air heating systems are…
Whether you are decorating for yourself or decorating in order to stage your home, most homeowners can agree that hanging Christmas lights will be the most time-consuming task for the holidays and one of the most dangerous. Knowing how to properly install and maintain your Christmas lights could be the difference between happy holidays or…
When you decide to take action against electricity waste at home, it can sometimes be hard to decide where to start. It may be tempting to track down “energy vampires” like device chargers and small appliances with digital clocks, but the potential energy savings from many of those efforts are negligible. If you really…
The strategies below will help you save energy, save money, and stay comfortable during the cool fall and cold winter months. Some of the tips below are free and can be used on a daily basis to increase your savings; others are simple and inexpensive actions you can take to ensure maximum savings through the…
Imagine that you have just moved into your new home and are busy unpacking boxes and arranging furniture. You notice that your main bedroom does not have an overhead light, so you decide to decorate the space with several lamps. After you have all the lamps in place, you plug one of them in, turn…
In addition to cooler temperatures, the changing of seasons also presents the perfect opportunity for regular HVAC maintenance to prepare for the months ahead. As with any other season, there are a few activities you can complete in the fall to ensure optimal performance of your HVAC system for the cooler months ahead. Check out…
Getting the most value out of your home can be as easy as changing out your air filters. Homeowners that ignore the filters in their heating and air conditioning systems risk higher energy costs, damaging expensive equipment, and diminishing indoor air quality and personal health. See below to find out what can happen if you…
Nothing in your house affects your comfort more than your heating and cooling systems. But unless the heater bows out during a blizzard or the air-conditioning goes on the fritz in the middle of a heat wave, most of us pretty much ignore our heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment. This is a common mistake,…
Summer’s here, which means so is that famous sweltering Texas heat. With it will come rising electric bills as you fight to keep your home cool. Luckily, there are many ways to fight astronomical air conditioning costs. Here are a few of our favorite: Block the Sunlight Direct sunlight entering your house can make the…
Excess moisture in your home can lead to several problems. It’s important to control your home’s humidity to avoid things like mold, mildew, and other water-related damage. Lowering the humidity in your home can lead to many benefits including keeping you comfortable, saving you money and discouraging the spread of harmful mold. Why High Humidity…
Unless you have knowledge and experience of electrical work and wiring, it is always better to hire an electrician to take care of any electrical installations and repairs. Even minor installations could cause big problems if they are not done correctly. In spite of all the videos online that encourage DIY work, things like electrical…
When the temperatures start climbing, all you can think about is getting the maximum comfort out of your air conditioning unit. So instead of cranking up the air conditioning lower, you turn on your ceiling fan. After all, increasing air circulation and air flow in your home helps circulate the cool air better, right? Let’s…
The electrical panel is the backbone of your home’s electrical system. Most people probably don’t give it a second thought, however, until something happens with their electricity. When people read the words electrical panel, they probably only think of tripped breakers. And yes, that’s where you go to handle those. However, like most things,…
Did you know your air conditioner and heater is the most expensive appliance in your home? It requires maintenance just like your car. One of the fastest, cheapest ways you can give your air conditioner and heater a little TLC is to change your air filter. Before you jump in your car to buy…
Do you have questions about the new features in HVAC today? Your best resource for a thorough understanding of the latest equipment and what your home needs is your local HVAC specialist. The new Trane AC units are so much more efficient than the units of 20 years or so ago. Upgrading to one has…
Once you’ve done the work and research, and picked out a new lighting system for your home, it’s time to install it. Should you install it yourself, or call a professional electrician for help? Here is why enlisting a professional is the way to go: Safety The most important reason to consider having a professional…
March 20th marks the first day of spring, and it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to prepare your heating and air conditioning for the months ahead. While you may think it’s a bit early, the beginning of spring is a great time to start. From having your furnace inspected for next year,…
While there are some home repairs that you can attempt yourself, such as fixing a leaky faucet, electrical repairs are not included in that list. You should hire a professional electrician for all electrical repairs. Many homeowners are tempted to try handling electrical repairs on their own to save money. For all home repairs, going…
Spring is almost here! That means it’s time to make sure your HVAC unit is ready for the summer months with a tune-up. We’ve put together these tips to help you keep your HVAC unit performing at its best. Keep Your Appliances Running Smoothly One of the most expensive appliances in your home, repair, and…
You open your mailbox and you see it: the electric bill. You open the envelope and are shocked to find an unusually high bill for the month, maybe your bill doubled or tripled. Why is this? You ask yourself: Why is my electric bill so high? What changed this month from last month? What could…
It may be chilly and grey today, but as we well know, seasons don’t last very long here in Texas. Before you know it, the skies are clearing, the sun is peeking out, and the temperatures are rising again. This means that it’s time to put your trusted AC unit back into use. This is…
January is almost over, and though it is still chilly out there, spring is right around the corner! Seasonal allergies can make it difficult for anyone with sensitivities to enjoy our warm and beautiful Texas springs. The main cause of spring allergies here is pollen released by local trees, weeds, and grasses after a good…
Space heater safety is a definite concern during the winter months. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home fires and home heating fire deaths happen every winter because of improper heater operation. In fact, the NFPA reported that 53 percent of home fires between 2011 and 2015 resulted from home heating equipment placed…
When comparing 110v with 220v wiring, you have to keep in mind that they both essentially do the same thing. That is, they produce power to operate electrical outlets. The equation is as follows: Power = Voltage x Current, with current measured in amps. When 220v wiring is used, less current is required than with…
The air in your home likely isn’t as clean as you think. Most people are surprised to learn that the air in the average American home can be up to 10 times worse than the air outside. For those who are particularly sensitive to issues that can be caused by poor air quality, an air…
Winter is coming quickly, and that means residents are bracing themselves for colder temperatures and longer nights. For some, winter also means higher energy bills from keeping your home warm. If you’re one of many homeowners who breaks out into a cold sweat at the thought of your energy bills at the end of the…
Preparing for how to put out an electrical fire, even if you don’t have a fire extinguisher, could be the difference between a minor accident and a major catastrophe in your home. Put Your Safety First If an electrical fire is growing quickly and you’re not able to turn the electricity off, you need to…
There are over 25,000 electrical fires reported every single year in the United States. The most common causes of these are the mishandling of electrical devices. Here are a few tips to help minimize your risk at home: Never overburden an outlet We understand that these days, you have lots of appliances and electronic devices…
Do you ever sit and wonder: is my noisy air conditioner about to break down? A noisy air conditioner that’s always been loud might not necessarily have a problem. However, if you’re hearing an unusual air conditioner noise like banging, buzzing, whistling, screeching or rattling, it can be a symptom of a system that’s struggling…
GFCIs are very useful in kitchens, bathrooms and other wet areas where there’s a concern about potential shorts in an outlet. If anything goes wrong in a protected outlet or circuit, the unit trips and is shut off until the reset button is pushed. Most of the time, this is exactly the sort of protection…
Today’s electric cars all come with a 120-volt charging cable that can charge the battery from a household socket if there are no other options. But sooner or later, most battery-electric car owners will want a 240-volt Level 2 charging station that can recharge the car as much as four times faster. Owners of plug-in…
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) consistently ranks indoor air quality among the top five environmental health risks. On average, Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors and for too many people, the air pollution indoors is a lot worse than outdoors. Poor indoor air quality affects our health, comfort, productivity, and well-being.…
There are many visual and functional signs that tell you it’s time to replace the electrical outlets in your home: Your outlets only have two-prongs All outlets that do not have three-prongs should be immediately replaced. Besides preventing you from plugging-in three-prong appliances, two-prong outlets are ungrounded. This presents a significant and dangerous shock risk…
It’s one of the scariest emergencies most of us can imagine: a house fire. Fortunately, the vast majority of house fires are caused by only a few common things, and there are steps you can take to help prevent them. Here are the four most common causes of house fires: Cooking Equipment Kitchen fires are…
In accordance with The Clean Air Act of 1990, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency mandated the phase out of R-22 refrigerant to protect the Earth’s ozone layer from the ozone-depleting chlorine compound it contains. New air conditioning units stopped being manufactured to use R-22 back in 2010, and on January 1, 2020, R22 refrigerant will…
Did you know that there is more air pollution inside homes and businesses than outside of them? One of the reasons that the air quality is more polluted inside is that most buildings do not have much ventilation, at least, not one that compares to an outdoor environment. Areas with little to no ventilation are…
It’s more important than ever to reduce the amount of energy we use to help curb the impact on our environment. With a few easy adjustments, you can make a big difference at home. Change Your Daily Habits Reducing energy consumption in your home can be as simple as turning off lights or appliances when…
Air filters are important for every home, but for people who suffer from respiratory illnesses or allergies, they are critical. Air filters can help drastically improve air quality when pollution levels are high, and remove mold, dust, and seasonal and pet allergens from the air in your home. Air filters work by removing particulates from…
Once the Texas summer hits, most of us stay inside as much as possible. We have great weather right now but temperatures will inevitably rise and staying cool while keeping energy costs down is a lot easier if you use a few of these tips. What to do with Windows Window glass gives us great natural light…
In the new Internet of Things, programmable thermostats and apps that go along with them have come a long way. You can keep track of your office or home from anywhere in the world with an internet connection these days. Want to save money while you’re out? Turn the temperature to an energy saving setting…
Changing your air filters on a regular schedule is important for the life expectancy of your unit and key in providing clean air to your home or business. We suggest changing them at least every 3 months but there is another consideration to make. What type of replacement filter best serves your needs? Choosing the right kind of…
As long as there are people that are willing to break the law to make a fast buck and scrap yards, there will be a problem with stolen air conditioners. Scrappers don’t sell the unit whole, they will break it down to get the most value by weight. What easily costs several thousands of dollars for equipment, not…
Yes, tragic and catastrophic house fire IS a real concern, but that is not the only consideration in whether a project should be on a honey-do list or a call to us. There is a lot to be said about knowing how to do your own household repairs and learning and being proficient with the specifics of…
There are some things that are perfectly reasonable to do on your own. Some things that look simple on Youtube may actually be more of a time investment in learning and tools than you may be ready for. And some things are truly best left to the professionals. When do you make the choice to call a professional? Here are…
Spring is around the corner and there are several things you can do to prepare your AC for the hotter temperatures. It is also a great time to schedule maintenance or inspections with us to make sure your home or business is ready to meet the heat with no surprises. Damaged Pipe Insulation There is a…
Air conditioning is a vital part to most homes and especially in Texas. To ensure that your A/C is functioning smoothly, change your air filters regularly. Air filters remove dust particles in the air but that is not their primary purpose. Their main mission is to keep dust and contaminants from collecting on the evaporator…
