Use an Electrician to Install New Ceiling Fans that Help Year-Round

Having to choose between an expensive electrical bill and an uncomfortable home can be quite frustrating, but this is not a problem that you have to make a decision on as it does have a solution. Although you can install ceiling fans on your own, hiring an electrician is the best way to get new ceiling fans installed in your home.

Rely Less on Heating or Cooling System

While an easy solution to a hot or cold home is to use your heating or cooling system, you can take advantage of strategical methods to keep it at a manageable temperature without spending an excessive amount of money. Having ceiling fans throughout your home allows you to strategically maintain the temperature in your home.

Push Hot Air Down on Cold Days

Since hot air rises to the top of the home, you can use ceiling fans to push that air down on cold days. It is an easy and effective way to optimize your heating system usage as you will get to extend the warmth it provides. These fans are especially helpful to have in bedrooms when you are trying to get comfortable at nighttime.

Keep Cool during Hot Days

Stagnant air feels quite uncomfortable, but you can use a ceiling fan to move the air around. Although this will not actually change the temperature, you will notice a difference in how the air feels around you. When you combine window usage and the ceiling fans, you may be able to go without using your cooling system at all.

If you are not sure exactly what kind of ceiling fans you should use throughout your home, an electrician can give you professional advice to make sure you end up with ones that meet your needs.

Contact us if you would like to learn more about our services.

3 Reasons a Heating Maintenance Plan is Necessary

Nobody wants to be without heat in their homes during a freezing winter storm.  We simply assume that our heaters are going to work when we need them.  But sometimes failures occur, and during a cold winter’s day is the worst time – demand for service during the high seasons means that you and yours may be shivering under blankets until someone can get out to assist.

That’s why it is critical to take advantage of maintenance plans that will ensure your heating system is serviced multiple times per year.  Heating Maintenance Plans provide the following benefits:

Resolve Issues Promptly

Experienced technicians can identify potential issues during the warmer off-season, when repairs are less urgent.   Additionally, minor issues can be repaired more quickly and cost-effectively before they turn into major issues that can bring the entire heating system down.  This will help ensure that your heating system is functioning consistently throughout the winter seasons.

Save Money

Regular inspection and maintenance on your heating system will keep your system operational for longer, preventing the need to prematurely replace a failed system.  It will also help save money on substantial repairs that may be required for a major issue.  When serviced regularly, heating systems will last longer, run more efficiently, and operate optimally for many winters to come.

Improve Efficiency

Over time, heating systems begin to collect dirt and dust in various components.  This can actually reduce your system’s efficiency by up to 5% every year, meaning that your system is working harder, using more energy, and heating your home more slowly than it would otherwise.  In worst case scenarios, you may be at increased risk for a fire.  Regular service will help ensure that your heating system continues to run at peak capacity.

At Comfort Control, we offer affordable maintenance plans for your peace of mind.  Our experienced technicians will carefully inspect and service your heating system to keep it in top condition for the cold seasons.  To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.

Emergency Heating Repair May Not Be Necessary with an Annual Inspection

When your furnace goes out in winter, the only solution is to contact a heating and cooling professional right away, or else you will have no heat. But did you know that emergency heating repair isn't always necessary when you have an annual heating inspection?

Heating repair professionals recommend scheduling at least one inspection a year to ensure that your furnace or HVAC is working like it's supposed to. In doing so, you will completely prevent the need for emergency service.

In fact, not only do service technicians recommend an annual inspection, so does your furnace manufacturer. If you still have the manual for your unit (it's sometimes attached to the outside in a plastic bag), take a look inside for inspection timeframes.

What does an inspection do for your furnace?

A yearly inspection acts like a tune-up for your furnace, and it also ensures that all of the pieces and parts are still functioning as normal.

Further, when was the last time you had a safety check for your furnace? A service technician can provide you with a safety inspection so that you can rest easy knowing that nothing dangerous is going on without your knowledge.

Why not do it DIY?

While various items can quickly and easily be done by a homeowner, like changing furnace filters and vacuuming ducts, it is possible that larger issues will be missed in the process. So even if you plan the DIY route, an annual inspection is still advised.

Don't skip a furnace inspection this year. A simple call to a local heating and cooling professional can save you big headaches in the future.

Want more information on how we can help you with all of your heating and cooling needs? Please contact us today.

4 Signs Your Home's Electrical System Needs Repair

Many homeowners don't give much thought to the electrical wiring in their homes until an obvious problem arises. However, home electrical problems can be dangerous if they're not dealt with quickly. If you notice any of these warning signs, it's time to contact a qualified electrician.

Frequently tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. When a single outlet repeatedly trips the same circuit breaker, this is a sign that the circuit may be overloaded.

A loose plug. If plugs repeatedly slide out of an electrical outlet, the likely culprit is a worn contact in the receptacle. Worn contacts will not firmly grip the prongs. Loose contacts can lead to arcing, which can cause dust or dry wood to ignite. Replace the old receptacle as soon as you can.

A burning odor. A short in the electrical wiring behind the wall can lead to an electrical fire. If you detect a burning smell coming from an electrical outlet, unplug everything connected to the outlet, and remove the fuse or turn off the circuit breaker. Call an electrician to inspect the circuit right away.

Flickering or dimming lights. Some appliances draw large amounts of power. You may notice that the lights flicker or dim when an appliance turns on. This is a symptom of a voltage problem. An electrician can fix this by installing dedicated circuits for high-voltage appliances.

Flickering lights may also be caused by loose electrical wiring. Loose wiring is a fire hazard, so have an electrician examine the wiring as soon as possible.  

Please contact us to find out how we can assist you with repairing your home's electrical system.  

Why You Shouldn't Wait Until Winter to Have Your Heater Checked Out

Since the weather hasn't turned too cold yet, the last thing that you might want to think about is turning on your heater. However, it's a good idea to have your heat pump and accompanying system inspect now, even before the weather changes. These are a few reasons why you shouldn't wait until the last minute to have your system looked at.

You Could Save Money

Did you know that many heating and air conditioning contractors offer special deals and pricing during the off-season? If you wait until the weather turns cold, you might miss out on great deals. If you need to have your system repaired or replaced, now might be the best time to do so if you are on a budget.

You Might Need Time to Budget

You probably do not want to find out at the last minute that your heating system is in need of an expensive repair. Then, you might find yourself struggling to come up with the money that you need to finance the repair or pay for the replacement, and your family could be stuck in the cold in the meantime. If you have your heat pump inspected now, however, you can help ensure that this won't be an issue by giving yourself some extra time to budget for necessary repairs or to come up with financing options.

Prepare for Early Winter Weather

You never know when it might turn cold. Even though you might not be expecting any major temperature changes in the next few weeks, you don't want to find out that your heater isn't working if your area experiences early cold weather. If you have your heat pump inspected now, however, you can ensure that you are ready for the weather, no matter when it comes.

If you need help with having your heating system inspected before the winter comes, contact us. Then, we can schedule you an appointment ASAP to inspect and maintain your unit -- and repair it if necessary.

Three steps to maintain your air conditioning unit's fan

To keep your air conditioning unit in good shape, you need to not only have it serviced regularly and keep a good repair company's phone number at the ready, you also need to take some basic maintenance steps yourself. One of the most important parts of the AC unit is the fan, so follow these three steps to keep your fan in optimal working condition.

1. Clean

Because so much air moves past it, the fan is a prime candidate for rust. It can also get a lot of dust and grime buildup. You should clean your fan occasionally (remember to disconnect the unit from power before opening it) with a damp cloth. You can also spray it with an anti-rust spray to protect it.

2. Check screws

Loose screws can become a big problem with your AC fan because they allow the fan to hang crooked. This means your fan blades can smash themselves against other bits of the unit with every spin, bending and nicking the blades. So every time you open your unit, remember to tighten up your fan blade screws.

3. Lubricate

Unlubricated fans sometimes make annoying sounds, but more often they just quietly run at a sub-optimal level. Regular lubrication is a must, so try to find some special HVAC lubricant (or just use a regular lubricant if need be) to keep spinning components working smoothly.

Use these tips to prevent and manage any AC fan problems. If you have problems with some other part of your unit, feel free to contact us any time for repairs.

Need Heating Repair? Heat Pump on the Fritz? Try These Tips First

Although we aren't going to advocate that you take on particularly large or complicated jobs that require expertise and know-how, we understand that as a home or business owner, sometimes heating repair needs taken into your own hands.

But because much of your personal expertise has to do with the specific type of system that you have, some general tips might work for you the best. 

So with that in mind, here are some tips and tricks covering a large swath of HVAC, condensers, and furnaces. We hope you can find something to help you if you're in a pinch.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps can be a headache when they aren't working. So if your heat pump is acting funny or simply not turning on, try these steps:

- Check that the power to the thermostat is on by taking a look at the circuit breakers.

- If your heating or cooling air fluctuates wildly, try adjusting the temperature by 5 degrees, waiting, and checking again. If that doesn't work, try cleaning filters and coils.

- If your heat pump freezes up, ensure that the registers aren't blocked.

- If all else fails, contact a professional.

HVAC

Your HVAC system handles all the cooling and heating in your property. With this double-duty, it means they stand a greater chance of failing.

- Establish a preventative maintenance routine. Regular care can mean the difference between a high-functioning system and one that costs your extra money.

- Check filters and clean coils regularly. 

- If your system functions poorly, consider having an electronic thermostat installed.

- If allergies are a concern in your home, use a denser filter designed for pets.

Furnaces

A furnace is like your best friend: it's always there when you need it most. Keep it working by following these tips.

- Ensure that the switch is set to heat. You'd be surprised the amount of people who forget this simple step and end up wasting money on a service call.

- If you have fan-forced heat, and you hear a whistle while your furnace is on, you need to change the filter.

- Furnace not cycling on at all? Check the circuit breaker or power switch. 

- If your furnace was built after 1990 it has a tiny window with a light. If you are having trouble, the circuit board inside the unit will flash the light in a sequence. Try counting the flashes to crack the code to your problems.

For more information on how we can help you, please contact us any time.

Home Electrical Safety Tips from Your Austin Electrician

We all care about keeping our families safe, and while our homes are often the safest and most comfortable place, they have potential to be the most dangerous too.

As an electrician, we have seen some situations where safety wasn't of the highest concern. When that happens, we always take the time to explain to customers what needs changed, and do our best to help them reach the high level of safety that they deserve.

Because, let's face it, electricity has potential to be dangerous; there's no reason to let it be that way.

Here are some home electrical safety tips.

Extension Cords

They make life easier, but there some big no-no's involving extension cords.

- Never route them under rugs.

- Only use them temporarily.

- Throw old, cracked cords away.

- Only buy approved cords.

- Do no overload extension cords.

Receptacles/Outlets

Receptacles are important to how we use electricity, but are often the first thing to go bad.

- They are inexpensive, replace them if they crack.

- If they feel hot, stop using them and call an electrician.

- If they spark when you plug something in, cut the power and contact us.

- Check that the ground is connected if you must use a grounded plug.

- Only replace like receptacles; don't install 20-amp circuits where 15's go.

- Use lockouts if you have small children.

GFCI Receptacles

A GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) receptacle is perfect for those looking to add extra safety to their home.

- Ideal for wet environments like kitchens, baths, laundry, and garages.

- They constantly monitor current levels, and switch off for imbalances.

- They prevent fires by detecting ground faults.

- Appliances that you plug into them are safe from damage.

Need more information on how we can help you with your home electric? Please don't hesitate to contact us any time.

How Efficient Is Your HVAC?

Your HVAC system is a major energy expenditure. Whether you're turning up the heat or cooling things down, you spend a significant amount of energy getting your indoor environment under control. When operating on a budget, you have two choices.

1) Endure the Distress of Shrinking Your Footprint

You hear it on the news. You see it on television. Turning your temperatures up or down by a few degrees can help you shrink your footprint. If you're comfortable at 70 degrees in winter, you can put on a sweater and turn it down to 67 degrees instead. If you're comfortable at 75 degrees in summer, you can wear shorts and turn it up to 78 degrees. Little adjustments can lower you energy bills and shrink your footprint. 

2) Enjoy Comfort with Energy Efficiency

The real reason you might need to reduce your comfort to reduce your environmental impact, not to mention lower your energy bills, is because you are probably using an older, inefficient HVAC system. Investing in a new, contemporary system can improve your comfort by reducing your footprint and your energy bills with increased efficiency.

Along with the benefits of improved efficiency, increased comfort, and lowered energy bills, a quality contemporary HVAC system can reduce illnesses and allergic reactions by improving the quality of the air in your home or business. Improved indoor air quality has a big impact on health, as well as comfort. See how efficient your HVAC could be with a free inspection. Contact us today to take the first step to better comfort.

Easy Tips to Keep Your HVAC System Up and Running

Your HVAC unit is like the comfort center of your home or business. On hot days, it keeps everyone cool and relaxed. On cool days, it warms everything up so you can go about your day as content and comfortable.

So what do you do when your unit is running poorly, or seems to be working less efficiently than normal? Do you know how to ensure that your HVAC unit is functioning properly with some minor checks?

In this post, we'll give you some tips on maintaining your HVAC unit, helping to prolong its use, and lessening the time in between regularly scheduled maintenance.

Check Filters: How often? During peak operation, give them the once over at least once a month; replace them once every six. A clean filter helps your HVAC system run smoothly and at optimum performance at all times of the year.

Clean Coils: Evaporator coils are an easy target for mold. Disinfecting them with a spray bottle mixed half and half with bleach and water keeps them clean and working as expected. Just turn the unit off before applying cleaner, and wave goodbye to any potential mold problems.

Wipe Fans: Dirt accumulates on fans in a short amount of time. This dirt can cause strain on the system, ruining your HVAC's efficiency. Wipe fans clean at the same time you check your filter.

Sop up Water: Some water accumulation during peak running times is expected. However, if you see large pools of water, it means something more serious is going on. This is why a regular inspection by a service professional is important.

Keeping your HVAC system in tip-top shape is important to every individual in your home. So keeping it running with regular, professional maintenance should be on the top of your list.

For more information on how we can help you with your HVAC system, please contact us any time. Providing 24/7 service. Call Comfort Control today to service your HVAC system and if service is required, we’ll waive the service call fee!

How to Save Money on Your Heating Bills and Avoid Costly Repairs This Fall

Fall is just around the corner, bringing with it changing leaves and cooler weather. When those first cold nights hit, the last thing you want is for your heating to stop working. Heating repair experts offer these tips to keep your system running smoothly and to keep you ready for fall and winter weather.

Focus on Preventive Maintenance

While many of us ignore our heating or cooling systems until we face a costly problem, with just a little preventative maintenance you can ensure your heating system will be ready to go when cool weather hits. If you have a furnace, replace your filters regularly to avoid accumulated dirt and guarantee efficient heat. Clean your heater or regulator and make sure it isn't crowed by potential fire hazards like furniture or drapes. Do a quick visual inspection for any rust or other corrosion and call for annual system maintenance before the cool season hits.

Plan for Energy Efficiency

Many of us are looking to stay comfortable but also take care of the environment. By setting your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter you can help reduce your carbon footprint and lower your costly heating bills. Properly insulating your pipes and following basic maintenance also helps prevent emissions and increase your savings - up to 30% off your normal bill according to Energy.gov.

Know Who to Call if You Need Repairs

Despite our best efforts, sometimes our systems simply don't work when we need them to. The time to choose a maintenance service is before you find yourself in desperate need. Choose a local company with experience in your area and which offers service on your schedule. Look for professional qualifications as well as a record of dedicated customer service.

If you live in the Austin, Texas area and your heating system needs maintenance or you encounter a problem this cold season, contact Comfort Control.

An Electrician, For All Your Home Electricity Needs

What is one of the things in our home that we take completely for granted? That of course is the electricity that lets us live the way we do. So when your power goes out in full or partial or when you need electric work around the home done, who is the first person you should call? One of Comfort Control's electricians, that's who.

When you need wiring or electric work around the house done, you don't want someone who has no idea what they are doing working in your home. that's why all of our electricians get trained and  have an experienced background to provide you with the best service that they can possibly give. From simple projects like wiring up lights outside or helping to hook up a ceiling fan to re-wiring a new house, there is no project that is too hard for our trained and experienced electricians.

When it comes to the larger projects and equipment there is also options available for financing to help pay for whatever you may need done and all major credit cards are usable, to make sure that nobody gets excluded from our service. Not only that, we are also happy to help and assist you on things like; home energy audits, electrical safety inspections and help finding rebates for energy-efficient upgrades.

So if you are in need of quality electrician services, then don't even hesitate to contact us, day or night we will be here to help and serve our community and you.

Three Reasons Your Air Conditioning Unit Could Quit Working

As the summer wears on, the average temperature in Austin is right around 96 degrees. No matter how you look at it, that's just hot. The blazing hot sun beats down on your home, heating the interior up too. It can be downright unbearable, to say the least, unless you can retreat inside to enjoy the air conditioning. However, if it quits working, you're going to be miserably hot and uncomfortable until you can get it repaired. Knowing what could cause issues, and how to resolve them will help keep your family cool, even on the hottest of days.

Lack of Maintenance

Air conditioners need to be serviced by an HVAC specialist on an annual basis to assure they stay in good working order. The air filter, condenser coils and refrigerant level of your air conditioner should be checked at the beginning of each season, at a minimum. Dust can accumulate in the filter and on the coils, making it harder for the unit to produce cool air, and even more difficult for it to distribute it through your home. The refrigerant level might be low, which means there is a leak somewhere in the system that needs to be addressed.

It's Overheating

Your air conditioner works very hard, day and night, during the hottest months. If it's not operating properly, it could overheat and quit working. You'll know if the unit is overheating because it will often trip the circuit. While it may seem easy enough to just turn the circuit back on, it's not a good idea. The only way to resolve the issue is by calling in a professional to diagnose the problem. While the issue may be as simple as a dirty air filter or condenser coils, it could be a bigger issue such as bad wiring, or a burnt out fan.

Age of The Unit

Even under the best of conditions and proper maintenance, any air conditioner unit will eventually wear out. If your air conditioning is 10 years old, there's a good chance that it has reached the end of its useful life. Although it may seem like a big investment to make, a new, energy-efficient air conditioner will function better and last longer than one that is simply being repaired. An HVAC professional will calculate the amount of square footage of your home and recommend a unit that will be able to keep your entire home cool.

With more than three decades of experience, the Comfort Control team has what it takes to install, maintain, service and repair the HVAC system in your home or business. We guarantee all of our customers the best service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at the best price possible. If your air conditioner is giving you problems, don't hesitate to contact us. We will be more than happy to come out, assess the problem and make the necessary repairs right away.

Tired of living without air conditioning? How to Fix it Today.

Air conditioning has moved from being a luxury to being a necessity, especially in a climate as hot as Austin, Texas.  There are few things worse than sitting in an office, dripping in sweat, and waiting for the day to end.  So why deal with it, why force yourself through another sweaty day?

Sure, you could call one of the huge companies and schedule a repair later in the week, but why wait that long?  Picture the day after we come out and repair your AC:

Sitting in your same office, nice and comfortable,  not sweating, and far more productive.  As a manager, think of the productivity being lost not only to employees fatigued by the heat, but wasting company time complaining about it.  

Even better, you'll build some great rapport with your employees by fixing the problem quickly and making the work environment bearable again.

Remember,  our certified technicians have been in the air conditioning industry for over 30 years.  They know what they're doing, and they can be there in minutes, not days, to get your AC working again.

 Of course, having the knowledge is only one part of the equation.  Have you ever had a contractor or technician make an appointment, then be late or not show at all?  We pride ourselves on our professionalism, punctuality, and we won't keep you waiting.  So why keep waiting?

So if you're tired of being uncomfortable and hot, just contact us now and let us take care of it for you. 

Don't Delay Air Conditioning Maintenance In Austin

Rate the appliance that works the hardest in your home and you will find that your air conditioning unit tops the list. If you think of how heat and humidity can sap you of your energy on a sweltering day, imagine the drain that those conditions put on your air conditioning. The best way to keep your air conditioning running properly in the worst possible conditions is by scheduling regular air conditioning service in Austin.

Self-Maintenance For Your Air Conditioning Unit

As a homeowner, there are several things you can do to keep your air conditioning in good health. First of all, make sure to change your filters, or if you have permanent filters, clean them periodically.

Outside your home, where the condenser for your air conditioner sits, always make sure that the area is free of weeds, leaves, and debris that can clog it. To do this, turn off the power to the unit, remove the cover, and brush or vacuum away the dust and debris that you see there.

Professional Air Conditioning Maintenance In Austin, Texas

You should then call for professional air conditioning maintenance in Austin. Typically, a technician who comes out will:

• Inspect oil fans, blowers, and other moving parts in your unit
• Inspect wiring and connections
• Adjust coolant levels
• Calibrate the thermostat
• Verify that the unit cycles on and off properly
• Clean drains and tubing
• Inspect and clean the compressor, condenser, and evaporator coils, if you have not already done this

Often, companies offer maintenance service calls for a small fee. The service call will give you a heads up regarding any repairs that you need done.

Signs You Need A Maintenance Call

While you should schedule air conditioning maintenance in Austin at least yearly, you should call Comfort Control for service at any time you have indications that your system is not working right. Some telltale signs of a problem include:

• Inadequate heating or cooling
• Unit runs continuously
• Short cycling
• Musty odors
• Higher than usual electric bills
• Insufficient humidity removal
• Water leakage

Don't Delay Your Air Conditioning Maintenance In Austin

Unless you have a problem with your condenser or are losing refrigerant, most of these problems can be easily addressed with a service call. The worst thing you can do is hold off calling Comfort Control because you fear the possibility of a costly repair.

If we discover problems with your system, it is up to you if you want repairs done at this time or not. As we accept all major credit cards, we make arranging repairs easy on your budget. Should you decide to replace rather than repair your unit, we offer financing and along with rebates and incentives available through manufacturers, local power companies, or the federal government. If you need to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Austin or the surrounding area, just call us at (512) 308-6949.

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