• Reliable performance. Heating/cooling systems alternate a season of hard operation with long months of inactivity. Mechanically, this stresses components more than continuous year-round operation. HVAC equipment is engineered to be maintained according to manufacturer’s specs. Without it, components are operating outside their range and will fail, probably at the most inconvenient time.

• Seasonal maintenance. Our scheduled two annual maintenance visits occur at the start of the heating and cooling seasons. More than a tune-up, this is extensive preventative maintenance, designed to preempt failures that could interrupt service during the approaching season. Resolving problems during one of the seasonal maintenance calls provided by the Energy Saving Maintenance Agreement is preferable to making an emergency repair call months later.

• Lower energy costs. The gains from high-efficiency HVAC equipment rely heavily upon peak operating condition of the system. Less than optimal operations can quickly negate this efficiency edge and raise operating costs. Conversely, the cost of the Energy Saving Maintenance Agreement more than likely will be offset by savings from a cooling/heating system in proper working order.

• Peace of mind. Guesswork about HVAC symptoms and worry over being caught off-guard by a system failure contribute to stress. A quality maintenance agreement takes the X-factors out of maintaining this vital household asset.

CCAC, Inc. in Corpus Christi keeps South Texas customers comfortable whatever the season. Ask about our Energy Saving Maintenance Agreement to maintain your HVAC equipment and your quality of life. Contact us today for all of your home comfort needs.

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

CCAC Air Conditioning and Heating services Corpus Christi, TX. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Save Energy image via Shutterstock 

When you make a big-ticket investment like upgrading your A/C, you want to make sure that you’re getting your money’s worth. You also don’t want to be back on the market for a new A/C in another year because you’re unsatisfied with what you bought. That’s where the expertise of an HVAC contractor comes in. After installing and repairing different systems for years, an HVAC contractor has an excellent grasp of which systems will work for your needs.

HVAC contractors can also help you with choosing the right size for your particular situation when you’re upgrading your cooling system. When it comes to A/C equipment, getting the right size not only helps make your home comfortable; it also helps save you money. Incorrectly sized units work harder, either by running constantly if they’re too small, or by cycling on and off frequently if they’re too big. Either way, they draw more power that you have to pay for. In addition, incorrectly sized cooling systems have a harder time controlling humidity in a household, which is a serious deficiency in our very muggy area. An HVAC contractor can calculate what size of A/C unit fits the square footage, layout and unique characteristics of your home to maximize your comfort and minimize your bills.

Once you’ve selected the best air conditioning system for your needs, it must be installed. Not only does a professional HVAC contractor have trained installers to make sure your new air conditioner is installed properly; they also offer warranties to protect you in case of problems with your new system. In addition, you can set up yearly maintenance visits to make sure that your new air conditioner functions well for many years. By using a licensed HVAC contractor, you get both peace of mind and protection against expensive repair bills.

So where do you find such a contractor? Go no further than CCAC, Inc. in Corpus Christi. We have ample experience in outfitting Coastal Bend homeowners with correctly sized and selected air conditioning systems. For more information, contact CCAC, Inc. today.

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.

CCAC Air Conditioning and Heating services Corpus Christi, TX. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Most of the dust and dirt will build up on the blower wheel and the evaporator coil.  This build up can cause the system to not move as much air as it should which will cause a loss of capacity and efficiency.  This costs you in longer run times on your air conditioner and more expensive utility bills.  To clean these two effectively they have to be removed from the system.  This requires a professional.  Some people will clean an evaporator coil by just brushing the dirt off the surface.  This does very little good in most cases.  Usually if the surface of a coil is dirty, then the dirt is also embedded deep into the coil and just cleaning the surface will not remove the deep down dirt.  The coil has to be removed and pressure cleaned to get all the embedded dirt out.  If your coil is more than about eight years old then it is usually more cost effective to replace the coil than to try and clean it.  Very old coils when they are cleaned in a lot of cases will create leaks in the drain pan or in the coil tubing itself.  Chemical treatments to clean a coil in place usually do not work effectively either.

Using a good high efficiency filter will help to keep your air conditioning equipment clean to where it may never need to have the coil and blower pulled and cleaned.   For more information about high efficiency filters look here.

After you have your A/C unit serviced and cleaned of all dust and debris, you should notice an increase in its efficiency. Your bills will drop, and your air conditioner will not have to work as hard to keep your home cool, which offers the added benefit of extending the life of this expensive equipment.

For more information about how dust reduces A/C efficiency and how to clean your cooling system, contact us at CCAC, Inc. We serve Corpus Christi and South Texas and will be happy to help you save energy and money this summer.

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

CCAC Air Conditioning and Heating services Corpus Christi, TX. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Maintenance Man image via Shutterstock

• A  solar ready home should be situated with dependable southern sunlight exposure. Because the angle of the sun changes with the seasons, make sure your roof receives sunlight during the prime energy-producing window from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. year-round. Shading caused by taller adjacent structures may reduce adequate solar exposure. Tree shading is another factor. Any mature trees next to your home that cast shadows on the roof may have to be trimmed or cut down.

• For a typical array of photovoltaic panels in a common grid-tied solar system, you’ll need 100 square feet of unobstructed south-facing roof space. This may be easy to imagine when you’re standing on the ground, but the reality on the roof is another story. Residential rooftops typically host a medley of chimneys, sewer vent pipes, skylights, ventilation fans and A/C units. Some of these will have to be relocated to the north-facing side of the house to make your home solar ready. It’s very doable, but should definitely be discussed with your contractor while you’re still in the planning stage.

• Clean up your energy act. Is your home already as energy efficient as it can be? A residence already burdened with energy-wasting defects is not the best candidate for solar power until those issues are resolved. Inadequate insulation, poor ventilation, lack of sealing around doors and windows, and outdated HVAC equipment may offset potential savings from installing solar power.

CCAC, Inc. is ready to discuss your transition to solar readiness and help you overcome obstacles along the way. Homeowners in the Corpus Christi area are welcome to contact us for a solar evaluation.

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

CCAC Air Conditioning and Heating services Corpus Christi, TX. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

There are several reasons to perform the maintenance now, rather than wait until the summer.

• Cheaper – During the spring, demand for HVAC service is lower so the prices are not at the summer premiums. Also, maintenance is scheduled during regular business hours so you don’t run the risk of paying night or weekend rates for an emergency repair.
• No unforeseen surprises – You know how it goes. Your A/C will wait until we have one of those brutal 100-degree days with crushing humidity and then it will quit on you. Schedule A/C maintenance now so that you’ll know about any potential issues before they become big problems.
• Increased Efficiency – A properly maintained air conditioner operates much more efficiently and saves you money on utility bills.

Proper spring A/C maintenance will check and repairs these parts of your A/C:

• Filters – Clean filters can increase efficiency by 15 percent. They should be cleaned or exchanged as often as monthly during the high-use season.
• Coils – Coils collect dirt and debris over time and must be wiped clean. Otherwise, the buildup will interfere with the coils’ ability to absorb heat and remove it from the air.
• Fins – Coil fins are easily bent and damaged as the A/C operates. They need to be reshaped and repaired to maintain proper levels of air flow.
• Condensate Drains – Drains must be cleared annually because debris collects inside and hinders the unit’s ability to control humidity. If moisture in the air cannot escape through the drains, it ends up in your home.

If you would like to schedule A/C maintenance before the summer heat arrives, contact CCAC, Inc. For over three decades we’ve been helping people in Corpus Christi and the surrounding areas save money on their utility bills.

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.

CCAC Air Conditioning and Heating services Corpus Christi, TX. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Scheduled Maintenance image via Shutterstock

Check Your Filters

Begin your springtime HVAC cleaning by checking your system’s filters. Filters trap dust, dander and other small particles, helping improve indoor air quality. Over time, filters can become clogged, releasing more dust and debris into the air and onto air conditioner or furnace components. During the high-use season, clean or change your HVAC filter as often as once a month. Also, check the packaging, or consult with an HVAC professional, to make sure the filter you’re using is the type that will remove allergens from the air.

Seal Your Ducts

Your home’s duct system circulates the air throughout the home. As it ages, ductwork develops cracks and leaks. Not only do these leaks reduce cooling and heating efficiency, they can also allow untreated, outdoor air get in the ducts and then circulate through the indoor air. Untreated, outdoor air can contain allergy-aggravating pollen and dander. Use metal tape or a duct mastic to seal up any visible cracks or breaks. Hire an HVAC specialist to check for leaks in the ducts that are not easily accessible.

Control Your Home’s Moisture Level

High moisture levels in you home can cause increased mold growth and promotes an increase in the number of dust mites in the home.  In the spring and fall your air conditioner typically does not run as much as in the full heat of the summer and will not remove as much moisture from the air.  The AC-Enhancer can improve the moisture removal of your air conditioner especially in short run cycle times.  You may even need to look at additional dehumidification capacity through a portable dehumidifier or a whole house dehumidifier.

Schedule Springtime Maintenance

In addition to checking your ductwork an HVAC specialist will check your entire HVAC system for any problems. Scheduling a springtime maintenance will lead to optimum HVAC performance, improving indoor air quality, and giving relief to indoor and springtime allergy sufferers. For more information about improving indoor air quality, contact CCAC, Inc. in Corpus Christi.

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

CCAC Air Conditioning and Heating services Corpus Christi, TX. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Spring is the ideal season to seek out and destroy the mold in your house. The following list is meant to assist you in doing so by providing important advice and information.

7 Things To Keep In Mind About Mold

1. Mold thrives on moisture. Therefore, maintaining a dry interior is mandatory in order to keep it under control. If your air conditioner isn’t doing a good job of removing moisture from your home, consider installing The AC-Enhancer or a whole-house unit for humidity control. Or if you have specific problem areas get one or more portable dehumidifiers. In our hot and steamy climate, a dehumidifier is definitely something to consider.
2. If you have a leaky location, whether in the roof or the foundation, fix it. In addition, remove and replace any water-damaged material.
3. Mold can grow on surfaces such as wood, carpet, paper and foods. Using a disinfectant when cleaning is a good idea; however, you’ll never really get rid of all of the mold in your house.
4. Mold affects people in different ways, though it can trigger maladies such as asthma and respiratory irritation. Also, allergy symptoms may include nasal congestion, skin rashes, and itchy eyes.
5. A high-efficiency air filter can remove some of the mold from your air, but make sure you read the label carefully. Some of the cheaper filters don’t remove mold spores from the air.
6. Sometimes, remediation may be necessary for properly removing and reducing mold in the home. A specialist will ensure a safe, swift and certified approach to solving the problem.
7. Having your HVAC equipment checked and cleaned regularly is recommended for reducing mold. This includes the ductwork as well.

Now that you know a little more about the topic, place reducing mold in the home on your to-do-list. If you’re situated in South Texas and require professional services regarding indoor air quality and conditioning, call the experts at CCAC, Inc.

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

CCAC Air Conditioning and Heating services Corpus Christi, TX. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Mold image via Shutterstock

With a whole-house unit installed, you can rest assured that humidity will be pulled evenly out of every room in your home. Here are the top three benefits of whole-house dehumidifiers:

1. Comfort: Working in conjunction with the air conditioner, a whole-house dehumidifier works to lower the humidity to a more comfortable level. You can even run your whole-house dehumidifier independent of the air conditioner to remove humidity and feel more comfortable without over-cooling your home. This is beneficial on days when the temperature is pleasant but the humidity levels are still high. You’ll never resort to over-cooling your home to prevent that sticky, sweaty feeling again.
2. Prevent Condensation Problems: When you run your air conditioner below 74 degrees to stay comfortable you run the risk of condensation build up.  Not only on the ductwork, equipment, and supply grilles, but also inside your exterior walls.  Getting the inside surface of the walls exceptionally cold like that in the summer time can cause condensation to form inside the walls.  And once the condensation forms it can cause mold and fungal growth.
3. Protection: Mold problems are most common in the summer when humidity levels are high. Also, wood furniture, flooring, cabinetry and musical instruments can be damaged by high humidity. Protect your investments by guarding against excess moisture.

You know you can benefit from a whole-house dehumidifier if you have to turn down the thermostat to 74 degrees or lower because you do not feel comfortable in your home. There’s a better way to get comfortable, and you can enjoy all the benefits of a whole-house dehumidifier this summer. Contact CCAC, Inc. in Corpus Christi today 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 dehumidifiers and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

CCAC Air Conditioning and Heating services Corpus Christi, TX. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Lifetime costs include all of the expenses involved in buying, running and maintaining a cooling system over all of the years the system is in operation. Purchase price is part of the equation, but so are the electricity bills each month, as well as any future repairs or maintenance.

One interesting – and important – aspect of lifetime costs is that in many cases they go down as the initial price of the cooling system goes up. In other words, if you invest in a better (and therefore possibly higher-priced) air conditioning system today, you can often end up saving money overall.

To determine which cooling system will likely have the lowest lifetime costs, start with the purchase price and then add in three other factors:

• Energy efficiency. Air conditioning efficiency is commonly measured by SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. A higher SEER number means the unit will require less electricity to do the same amount of cooling work. A higher SEER does often come with a higher purchase price, but the lower electricity bills can often offset the difference. You can estimate how much SEER will impact lifetime costs by using Energy Star’s cost calculator tool, downloadable for free here.
• Reliability. Fewer repairs over the life of the system obviously contribute to lower lifetime costs. That’s why buying the cheapest option available is often not the best idea; such air conditioners also use the cheapest materials and craftsmanship.
• Longevity. A system expected to have a longer life will also typically have lower lifetime costs, since the equipment and installation expense can be divided up over a greater number of years.
• The Installation.  The most important day in the life of your air conditioner is the day it is installed.  Choosing the low price (or Cheep) installer in most cases will get you a less than quality installation.  If the system is not properly installed it may run and cool and heat your home, but not do it as efficiently as it should.  And the equipment may not last as long because the proper installation procedures were not followed or corners were cut to get the job slapped in as quickly as possible.

Because of these factors, upgrading your cooling system to a higher-quality, higher-efficiency system installed by the best people often makes the best financial sense overall.

So, if you’re upgrading your cooling system, contact the Corpus Christi air conditioning experts at CCAC, Inc. We’ll help you find the system that makes the best sense for your home, both today and for years to come.

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

CCAC Air Conditioning and Heating services Corpus Christi, TX. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Upgrade image via Shutterstock

To run at their intended level of efficiency, HVAC systems rely on a calibrated amount of air passing through the air filters. In a heat pump, for example, when dirt collects on the filters, it impedes the flow of air through the coils or heat exchanger inside the air handler. When airflow is too slow in the cooling mode, the evaporator coils get too cold. The refrigerant circulating inside the coils doesn’t turn into a vapor, and when it returns to the outdoor condenser, the compressor can’t turn it back into a liquid. This makes the mechanical parts work harder and can burn out the outside unit, resulting in an expensive repair or replacement.

In the heating mode, less air flows through the system, and some of the air contains contaminants that can build on the heat exchanger in gas furnaces. The temperature on the exchanger gets too hot from the inadequate air supply and cracks can form. These cracks can emit carbon monoxide and other toxic gases into your home. Replacing a heat exchanger is a laborious and expensive repair.

How frequently you replace your air filters depends on how much you use your system. In South Texas, the highest usage is during our long summers, so inspecting them monthly is a good idea. At CCAC we stock a wide variety of sizes and types of filters, we are very competively priced, and we can assist you in figuring out the right filter for your home.

CCAC, Inc. in Corpus Christi can give you professional advice about selecting and maintaining the right filters for your cooling and heating system. If you’re unsure about your filters or want to upgrade, please give us a call.

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

CCAC Air Conditioning and Heating services Corpus Christi, TX. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!