Category: Clean & Check

The Importance of Cleaning Your Air Ducts

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At The Bosworth Company, we talk a lot about the importance of maintaining your HVAC unit to ensure comfort in your home. But there’s a major component of HVAC that can often get overlooked. The system itself may be running just fine, but if your ducts are old, torn, crushed, or dirty, the air the unit produces can’t get to your home. In this post, we’ll discuss the important role air ducts play in keeping the whole system running smoothly.

DUCT CLEANING

Occasionally cleaning out your ductwork is an important part of keeping you comfortable inside your home. Even with good filters that are regularly changed, dirt and dust can get into your ducts, which will eventually clog up the system if not addressed. It can also lead to that dirty air circulating throughout your home. If you notice continuous and excessive dust on furniture, etc. that could be a sign that you are due for a duct cleaning.

While a home or business owner can help ducts clean by regularly changing filters, and cleaning the areas around the register grates, a full cleaning should be done by a professional.

ADVANTAGES

There are a handful of additional advantages to having your ductwork regularly serviced and cleaned. Benefits include:

  • Maintaining good airflow: Ducts filled with dirt can prevent the right amount of air from being able to get through into your home. Cleaning them out will help increase airflow.
  • Cleaner recirculation: That dirt and dust in your ducts will eventually make its way to your home. Make sure to clean the ducts before that happens.
  • Remove contaminants: The cleaner the ducts, the less likely that they’ll contain harmful contaminants, bacteria, or other elements that can trigger allergies or other respiratory issues.
  • Dust removal: As mentioned above, a clean system will help prevent the accumulation of dust around your home.

WORTH THE CALL

Dust accumulation and airflow issues are a couple of reasons you may want to consider having your air ducts cleaned or replaced. Though we don’t offer duct cleaning, The Bosworth Company provides complete servicing of your HVAC system itself and can inspect and install new ducts if yours are worn out or have been damaged. Make an appointment online, or call us today at (432) 570-5233. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

Fall Clean & Check

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The Bosworth Company is currently offering a Fall Clean & Check for $109, which includes a 1” filter and is $59 for each additional system. We know what you’re thinking: “Do I really need this? Couldn’t I just save my money and contact them when I notice a problem?” Well, you could save your money in the short term, but spending a little now could save you big time in the long run. It’ll also keep you comfortable as we start seeing cooler temperatures.

WHAT WE’LL DO

The Fall Clean & Check offers a variety of services involving your HVAC unit. You could perform some of these tasks yourself, but they’re much more convenient with help from an expert. Other services we’ll perform are definitely best handled by our experts.

Our Fall Clean & Check includes the following services:

  • Check, clean or replace filter(s)
    We provide one free filter with this service.
  • Clean blower wheel and housing
  • Thoroughly check all electrical connections
    This is something you’d rather leave to the pros.
  • Clean and check combustion air chamber
  • Check heat exchanger
  • Clean pilot assembly
  • Inspect your condensate drain, and clear and clean if necessary
    A clogged drain pipe can lead to other issues including water stains on the ceiling or other nasty water damage
  • Lubricate motors, as required
  • Inspect all safety controls
    Safety controls are critical, especially when it comes time to switch from A/C to heat.
  • Check the amperage for your entire system
    Your system needs enough juice to operate to its full potential!
  • Check the charge of your refrigerant
    Leave this one to the pros.
  • Check and calibrate all thermostats
    Make sure you stay at a temperature that’s comfortable for you.
  • Check the fan motor on the condenser
    If this fails and needs to be replaced, it can cost hundreds of dollars. Keeping it maintained is a great investment.
  • Check, adjust, or replace a belt
  • Clean and adjust burners
  • Check all relays and capacitors
    This is not the flux capacitor – you want a pro checking this for you.
  • Clean and calibrate thermostat(s)
  • Check temperature differential
    This helps with efficiency by ensuring your system is cycling properly based on the temperature you set it at.
  • Provide necessary maintenance supplies
    We provide professional tools to ensure your unit is running as it should.

Schedule Your Fall Clean & Check Today

So there you have it. This quick service will not only keep you warm for the winter, but it also offers something else that the temperature can’t touch: peace of mind. When you’re ready for your Fall Clean & Check maintenance service, call us at 432-570-5233 or schedule an appointment with The Bosworth Company online. Worth the Call. Always.

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Frozen Pipe Prevention

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Any homeowner knows – a busted pipe due to it being frozen is about the worst thing that can possibly happen. It’s a huge mess, possibly ruining many valuables in your home. On top of that, damage and repair costs can get expensive. Fortunately, knowing why and how they can burst can help you prevent them from bursting in the first place. In this post, we are going to discuss the primary culprit for burst pipes: cold weather.

STAY WARM!

Here in West Texas, we typically have mild winters. But not this year! Not only did we get our first snow in October, in February the temperature stayed below freezing for several days in a row! We even had some overnight lows below zero! Anytime the temperature drops below freezing there’s a risk of freezing pipes, so prolonged temperatures below 32 degrees make the risk even greater!

WHY DO PIPES BURST?

When the water inside the pipes freezes, it expands. This causes pressure in the pipes, and they will eventually crack. This seems like a fairly natural phenomenon, but it really isn’t. Scientifically, most matter shrinks when it freezes; water is actually an exception to the rule. 

Without getting too deep into your 10th-grade chemistry class, the molecular structure of water actually causes it to contract as it gets colder, but then expand again when it actually freezes. That means that the pressure on the pipes is constantly changing, making the risk of breaking even greater.

PREVENTION

Here are a few practical tips:

  • Keep faucets running: A dripping faucet will keep water in the line, making freezing less likely.
  • Open cabinet doors: Open the cabinet doors underneath your kitchen sink to allow the air from your home to keep the pipes warm.
  • Disconnect the garden hose: This allows water to drain from interior pipes more easily.
  • Check the temperature: All interior parts of your home should remain above 32 degrees. As long as you have power, this should be easy to accomplish, but don’t forget about your garage and laundry room!

WORTH THE CALL

The Bosworth Company offers a variety of services and treatments for the water that you use for drinking, cooking, or bathing. You can also count on us for 24/7 emergency plumbing in case of burst pipes or any other plumbing problem! Call us today for an appointment at 432-570-5233 or schedule an appointment online. The Bosworth Company. Worth the Call. Always.

Spring Clean & Check

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The Bosworth Company is currently offering a Spring Clean & Check for $99, which includes a 1” pleated filter and is $45 for each additional system. We know what you’re thinking: “Do I really need this? Couldn’t I just save my money and contact them when I notice a problem?” Well, you could save your money in the short term, but spending a little now could save you big time in the long run. It’ll also keep you comfortable as we start seeing warmer temperatures.

WHAT WE’LL DO

The Spring Clean & Check offers the following services involving your HVAC unit:

  • Check, clean or replace filter(s)
    •  We provide one free 1″ filter with this service.
  • Clean blower wheel and housing
  • Thoroughly check all electrical connections
    • This is something that definitely needs to be left to the pros.
  • Clean and check combustion air chamber
  • Check heat exchanger
  • Clean pilot assembly
  • Inspect your condensate drain, and clear and clean if necessary
    • A clogged drain pipe can lead to other issues including water stains on the ceiling or other nasty water damage
  • Lubricate motors, as required
  • Inspect all safety controls
    • Safety controls are critical, especially when it comes time to switch from A/C to heat.
  • Check the amperage for your entire system
    • Your system needs enough juice to operate to its full potential!
  • Check the charge of your refrigerant
  • Check and calibrate all thermostats
    • Make sure you stay at a temperature that’s comfortable for you.
  • Check the fan motor on the condenser
    • If this fails and needs to be replaced, it can cost hundreds of dollars. Keeping it maintained is a great investment.
  • Check, adjust, or replace a belt
  • Clean and adjust burners
  • Check all relays and capacitors
  • Clean and calibrate thermostat(s)
  • Check temperature differential
    • This helps with efficiency by ensuring your system is cycling properly based on the temperature you set it at.
  • Provide necessary maintenance supplies
    • We provide professional tools to ensure your unit is running as it should.

Schedule Your Fall Clean & Check Today

So there you have it. This quick service will not only keep you cool for the spring and summer, but it also offers something else that the temperature can’t touch: peace of mind. When you’re ready for your Spring Clean & Check maintenance service, call us at 432-570-5233 or schedule an appointment with The Bosworth Company online. Worth the Call. Always.

Air Purification Options

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Go outside and take in a big breath of fresh air. It’s a good way to stay refreshed, relaxed, and healthy. At The Bosworth Company, we want the air you breathe inside your home and office to be just as clean as the freshest air outside. With all the dust that seems to accumulate indoors here in West Texas, you may think that’s impossible. But we have good news! It’s possible with our air purification systems!

FILTRATION VS PURIFICATION

Air purification is a more advanced, more scientific, and more effective way of cleaning the air than traditional filtration. Filtration is exactly what it sounds like. It catches dust, germs, and other contaminants as they move through your system – effectively filtering them out and leaving you with cleaner air.

But purification is a little different. You are literally killing or destroying the contaminants! This enables purification systems to capture even the tiniest particles that a regular filtration system can’t catch.

HOW IT WORKS

A purifier can be installed inside the ducts of your current HVAC system. It’s equipped with a plasma field that purifies all the air that circulates throughout your home or office. It turns on automatically whenever your HVAC unit is in use. When air passes through the plasma field, even the smallest viruses are captured. 

The ions generated by the air purifier surround the atoms of foreign items such as dust, mold, pollen, and other contaminants, forcing them to break down. By giving their atoms a positive charge, it makes them begin to clump together, making them larger and easier to filter. The next thing you know, dust, mold allergens, and even odor will start to disappear!

Concerned about COVID or other airborne diseases? Air purification systems have been shown to eliminate up to 90% of airborne viruses!

WORTH THE CALL

The Bosworth Company is proud to offer a full range of state-of-the-art in-duct air purifiers. To find the one that’s right for you and your home or business, schedule an appointment online or call us today at 432-570-5233. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

How Do Air Filter Ratings Work?

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We harp on the importance of air filters all the time. Many families think changing them often is unnecessary and too expensive, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Air filters actually make the air in your home more healthy by removing harmful particles, helping you breathe easier. In this post, we’ll take a look at why filters are so important, and what the different air filter ratings mean.

HOW THEY WORK

Air filters work by cleaning the air as it circulates through your HVAC system, removing harmful particles and contaminants before they re-enter your home. Contaminants in the air can include lint, dust, dirt, pollen, mold, dander, bacteria, and viruses.

AIR FILTER RATINGS

Filter ratings are determined by the size of particles that can pass through. The smaller the micron filtration, the better the quality of the filters. Higher quality filters will mean cleaner air but are also a bit more expensive.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MERV RATINGS

MERV ratings are the most common, so we’ll focus on what each rating range means.

  • MERV 1-4: The lowest MERV ratings are the least expensive and offer basic filtration. They capture particles that are 10 microns or larger. This includes pollen, dust, pet dander, and lint. You should change them out regularly.
  • MERV 6-8: Mid-range MERV filters capture particles as small as 3 microns. They catch everything that a low-rated filter would, as well as mold, hair spray, and dust mites. These filters work great for most homes.
  • MERV 9-12: The next step up captures particles as small as 1 micron! This means they can catch auto emissions, flour, and finer forms of dust. This rating is recommended for families with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues.
  • MERV 13-16: The highest-rated MERV filters capture particles as small as 0.3 microns. These are used in hospitals or manufacturing facilities to eliminate bacteria, viruses, carbon dust, and even sneeze droplets.

WORTH THE CALL

The Bosworth Company has experts to tackle all your HVAC needs. Fall is an excellent time for our Fall Clean & Check, which provides a tune-up for your complete system, as well as a free 1-inch air filter! Call us today at 432-570-5233 to make an appointment or schedule one online. The Bosworth Company. Worth the Call. Always.

Why is My Electric Bill So High?

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With the highs we saw this summer, many of you probably got sticker shock from your electric bill. Rates are going up, but when it’s hot, we want to stay cool! Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to try to keep your bills low! We’ll explain a few in this post.

DISAPPEARING ENERGY

Did you know that every outlet that has something plugged into it is drawing energy? Take your phone charger for example. If you leave it plugged in during the day (while your phone is unplugged) you’re wasting energy! The same is true for unused game consoles, cable boxes, DVRs, etc. There are lots of things you could unplug when they aren’t in use. 

LIGHTS AND CEILING FANS

Didn’t your mother teach you to turn off the light when you left the room? The reason was to save money! If you only need to light a small area, consider using a lamp instead of overhead lighting. Speaking of overhead – turn off that fan in rooms that aren’t being used. Fans are great to save on your A/C bill, but they don’t do much good when they aren’t blowing directly on you.

LED LIGHT BULBS

They’ve been around for a while, and they do save you money. LED light bulbs cost a little more, but they use much less energy and last much longer than traditional bulbs.

INSULATION

The insulation in your attic keeps your home at the temperature you select, and helps to keep the elements out! The same goes for small spaces around windows and doors. Seal them up to stay comfortable and keep costs down.

ENERGY STAR APPLIANCES

Older appliances aren’t very efficient. When it’s time to upgrade, look for an Energy Star model. Imagine using less energy every time you run the dishwasher. That would save a lot of money over time. When you do run your appliances, make sure they’re full. That goes for dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers, and anything else that requires power and/or other utilities.

THERMOSTAT

It can be tricky this time of year but do your best to leave your thermostat at around the same temperature. Don’t turn it way up or way down in an effort to blast either warm or cold all at once. Ask us about new smart thermostats, which will help regulate the temperature and keep you comfortable.

WORTH THE CALL

As you can see, when it comes to reducing your electric bill, it’s all about efficiency! Let us help improve your home’s energy efficiency through a Fall Clean & Check! Our experts will give your HVAC unit a tune-up and let you know if there are any problems that need to be addressed. Make an appointment today by scheduling one online or by calling 432-570-5233. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

Spring Maintenance

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Spring is here, and along with the warmer weather comes big changes for your home. Specifically your HVAC. Switching from using your heat to using your air conditioning requires some preparation and is a great time for some routine maintenance. In this post, we’ll share some practical spring maintenance ideas for your home.

HVAC MAINTENANCE

Changing filter: This is an easy thing you can do yourself! Swapping out or cleaning the filters on your HVAC will help to make sure that clean air is able to be recycled throughout your home. It’ll also keep your unit from working too hard, which will save you money!

Exterior A/C unit: In the winter months, leaves or other plants can fall into or grow around your exterior air conditioning compressor. Sweeping or picking up this debris will help your unit run at peak efficiency.

Window screens: Spring and fall are great times to consider leaving windows open to save on energy costs. To prepare for this, make sure to clean your screens and make any necessary repairs.

Windows and Doors: Speaking of windows, keep the cool air inside by making sure seals around windows and doors are secure!

Refrigerator: When you clean your kitchen, don’t forget to get under the fridge! Dusty coils make your refrigerator work harder to keep your food cold. A quick dust is an easy fix!

PLUMBING

Hot water heater: Draining your water heater can help clean out the sentiment that’s built up over the past year. Find the spigot at the bottom of the tank to drain it. This could add years to the life of your hot water heater.

Washer fill hose: Look for cracks or leaks in the hose that brings water into your washer. As with anything, excess water can cause major problems!

Driveway cracks: Cracks in your driveway or asphalt are common with age. However, if it’s sudden, getting worse, or appears to be sinking, that could be a sign of pipe problems. A water line leak under your driveway should be checked out.

WORTH THE CALL. ALWAYS. 

The Bosworth Company has the experts to help your system get ready for spring! In fact, we offer a Spring Clean & Check specifically geared to keeping your HVAC in tip-top shape. Schedule a spring maintenance appointment online or give us a call at 432-570-5233. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

Preparing Your Heater For Winter

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Here in West Texas, we’ve had what (so far) seems like an unseasonably warm winter. We fired up the heater for a day or two around Halloween, but if you’re like us, haven’t used it much since. If you’ve lived here for any length of time, you know that things can change fast. Sunny and 75 today could turn into icy and 30 in less than 36 hours. When it is time to start using the heater regularly, there are a few things you need to do to prepare.

Preparations To Make

Quick inspection: Make sure it’s turned off, and take a quick look at your system. Do you see residue or black soot? Is all the ductwork properly attached? Make sure the area around the furnace is clear of debris. Anything flammable nearby could be a hazard.

Cleaning: Vacuum or brush out any areas built up with soot or other debris. You can remove residue from the portlight and burners. 

Checking the filter: If your furnace uses a disposable filter, it needs to be replaced. If it uses a reusable filter, use a vacuum to remove the dust. You can wash it out using soap and water. Make sure to let it dry before putting it back.

Blower belt: If your filter has a blower belt, you should check for cracks or general wear. You should be able to depress it slightly with your fingers. You can replace it if necessary.

Drain line: A clogged drain line can cause major problems and expensive damage to your home. It’s critical that the drain line is flushed.

Furnace exhaust/chimney vent: Vents to the outside (whether from the side or through the chimney) should be free of debris or other obstruction. This may require you to check the ducts to make sure they are clear.

Safety detectors: Smoke detectors and fire detectors should be checked, and batteries replaced if necessary.

Last, but not least…CALL A PRO! You can complete some of the tasks above on your own, but for most of them, you’ll probably want a pro. The Bosworth Company can provide full service to make sure you’re ready for the winter with our Fall Clean & Check! Set up an appointment online today or call 432-570-5233. The Bosworth Company. Worth the Call. Always.