Category: Home Improvement

What Kind Of Air Filter Should I Use In My Home?

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One of the most commonly neglected maintenance items in your home is your air filter. These are simple to change out or clean and should be done an absolute minimum of once every six months. A clogged air filter leads to dirty air and low efficiency, and will make your entire HVAC unit work harder than it needs to in order to keep you comfortable.

Ok, so you know you need to change or clean the filter, but which filter is right for your home? Some filters must be replaced while others can simply be cleaned. In this post, we’ll do a side-by-side comparison to help you decide which option is best for you.

PERFORMANCE

Air filters can vary in their performance. A washable filter typically has a MERV rating of between 1 and 4. That means it will only catch large particles and things like soot. If you have a pet, the filter will not be able to eliminate pet dander. Other bacteria and viruses, as well as smoke, will not be effectively filtered out.

On the other hand, the MERV rating on disposable filters can be much higher, going as high as 16. That can help eliminate the tiniest particles in your air, including dust, pet dander, bacteria, viruses, and other allergens.

MAINTENANCE

Washable filters need to be cleaned once a month. Once they’ve been rinsed, they should be completely dry before they are put back in place. A wet filter could result in mold or fungus forming and then spreading throughout your home. Gross!

Disposable filters are just that – disposable. You throw out the old one and replace it with a new one.

COST

Here’s where things get a little tricky. Washable filters can last several years, but cost about $100 each.

Disposable filters cost about $15 each but need to be changed regularly. You can weigh the costs and benefits to determine what works for you!

WORTH THE CALL. ALWAYS.

These simple comparisons can help you decide if a washable or disposable air filter is right for you. The HVAC experts at The Bosworth Company can help! We can help you decide what’s best, replace your filters, and give your HVAC a full check. Make an appointment online, or call us today at (432) 570-5233. It’s Worth the Call. Always!

Prepping Your HVAC & Plumbing For Inspection When Selling

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There’s nothing like living in the home of your dreams! Oftentimes, that requires upgrading your current home to meet your “dream home” standards. If you’re in the market to buy a home, you’re likely looking for one that already has many of the features you want. Conversely, if you’re selling your house, you want to make it as marketable as possible to buyers who are willing to pay top dollar! In this post, we’ll go over a few simple steps you can take to prepare for those all-important home inspections!

INSPECTION PREP

A major part of any home sale is the home inspection. If red flags arise from the inspection, it may mean “no deal.” Calling The Bosworth Company before you put your home on the market can be a great way to ensure your home passes the most critical parts of the inspection.

  • Plumbing: Plumbing is critical for any homeowner and any inspection! A pre-sale inspection will ensure that you don’t have any leaks, drains are working properly, and related appliances, such as a garbage disposal or ice maker are working properly. The professional plumbers at The Bosworth Company can check each of these elements in your plumbing system, and make any necessary repairs if necessary. The risk of flooding, mold or other damage to your home’s infrastructure is enough to scare any potential buyer away!
  • HVAC: Your home is your castle and you want to remain as comfortable as possible at all times. When it comes to comfort, your HVAC is the key component. Getting it checked out before a sale is critical to making sure everything’s working properly. Potential home buyers aren’t going to want to risk major repairs or replacements a short time after moving in. Right now is a great time for you to get your entire system checked out. The Bosworth Company’s Fall Clean and Check offers a complete check of the entire system, to make sure you’re ready for the cooler winter months that are now here!

WORTH THE CALL. ALWAYS.

Maybe you’re selling your house, or maybe you just want to increase the comfort for you and your family! The Bosworth Company can help by making sure your home is ready to stay comfortable and functional for years to come. Contact one of our certified HVAC technicians for a Clean and Check or our professional plumbers today! You can make an appointment online, or call us at (432) 570-5233. The Bosworth Company is Worth the Call. Always.

4 Key Bathroom Mold Prevention Tips

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Having a picture-perfect home includes having everything sparkling clean, and that takes a lot of work! Every homeowner knows that keeping the house clean requires a strict maintenance schedule. That’s especially true when it comes to your bathroom. In this post, we’ll take a look at some practical ways to target a specific problem: mold. Mold can happen anywhere there’s excess moisture. The bathroom is a prime place where this can happen! Mold could be the result of a steamy shower or bath, spilled water on the counter, or even a toilet leak.

BATHROOM EXHAUST FANS

Bathrooms in newer homes come standard with exhaust fans. However, they are not so common in older homes. These fans are great at removing bathroom odors, but also remove the moisture in the air that causes mold spores to grow. Be sure to use the fan every time you take a bath or shower! Make sure the fan is set to fit the size of the room.  For example, a large master bathroom would need a different fan than a small half-bathroom.

GET THE GROUT

Tile and grout in the bathroom should be cleaned, retouched, and resealed on a regular basis. Any moisture that seeps its way into the crevices can turn into bacteria which can then lead to mold. Aside from guarding against mold, regularly cleaning your tile and grout will keep your bathroom looking and smelling nice!

SHOWER POWER

Regular cleaning is important for your shower as well. Simple extra steps like wiping down the walls of the shower after every use can make a big difference in the long run in eliminating moisture, and the mold it could leave behind.

TOWEL TOWER

Another source of moisture in the bathroom is wet towels. It can impact the moisture in the air, which can encourage mold and mildew growth. Using fresh towels every time you bathe (or at least changing them out regularly) will decrease your chances of bathroom mold. It can also prevent your towels from becoming musty.

WORTH THE CALL

The Bosworth Company has experts that can help you with all your plumbing and HVAC needs. If you find mold and mildew forming in your bathroom, it could also be a sign of a leak, so a plumbing solution could be exactly what you’re looking for. Make an appointment online, or call us today at (432) 570-5233. It’s Worth the Call. Always!

 

What To Do About The Freon Phase-Out

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As a part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Air Act, a particular type of refrigerant known as R-22 is currently being phased out worldwide. The elimination of R-22 (also called Freon) is considered an Ozone Depleting Substance (ODS), which has been banned from production as of January 1, 2020. However, for those who already use R-22 refrigerant to cool their homes, there are a few options.

PHASEOUT IMPACT

The ban of R-22 is not immediate. As a part of the phase-out, it can still be sold, even though it is not currently in production. However, this has caused the price of R-22 to increase significantly as the remaining quantities are limited.

R-22, or Freon, is used in almost all HVAC units that were installed prior to 2010. That means it’s highly likely that yours uses this refrigerant which will soon be off the market. This means your HVAC unit will need an alternative.

HVAC MAINTENANCE

The good news is that you should only need to add freon to your HVAC in the event of a refrigerant leak. It’s not needed as a part of general maintenance. R-22’s main purpose is to help make the air colder, so if your air is feeling warmer than it should, that might be a sign that you are low on Freon.

If you aren’t ready to replace your entire system but are low on Freon, you might consider what’s called a “drop-in” refrigerant. This is an alternative that is more environmentally friendly, and less expensive as well. This is a good temporary solution for most older HVAC units, provided that they are compatible with a “drop-in” replacement.

Another possible option is R-207c refrigerant, which will save some money but can ultimately cause your unit to love efficiency and life expectancy.

SYSTEM REPLACEMENT

In reality, freon replacements are only a good fit for HVAC units of a specific age. If your unit is between 12 and 15 years old and seems to be low on Freon, you are probably better off replacing the entire system. This does bring increased upfront costs, but the efficiency and quality of a new state-of-the-art system will not only save you on monthly electric bills, but it will also provide peace of mind about not having heating and cooling issues in the future.

WORTH THE CALL

If your HVAC unit needs a tune-up, refrigerant replacement, or a brand new system, let The Bosworth Company help you. Our certified professionals can find the solution that fits your home and budget. Call us today at (432) 570-5233 or make an appointment online. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

Smart Water Monitor

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In the technology age, many of your appliances and utilities can now be tied directly to your smartphone. This helps make your home more comfortable while providing efficiency at the same time. The latest example is smart water monitors. The Bosworth Company is proud to offer Flo by Moen, a water security system that protects your home from leaks and water damage – all with a single valve.

LIMITING LEAKS

Somehow, someway, leaks are inevitable. The key is catching them early to prevent water damage. Flo by Moen detects leaks early, so they don’t get out of control. Flo can be set up to monitor water and potential leaks from your toilet, shower, faucets, pipes in the walls and foundation – anywhere there’s water, Flo is working. This helps keep utility bills low and also helps avoid a catastrophe.

FULL PROTECTION

The Flo by Moen water monitor valve is installed directly on the water supply line to your home. This means it monitors all water in your entire home. Monitors on the valve have sensors that constantly check water flow, pressure, and temperature. If any of these conditions shows an anomaly, the valve can be set to automatically shut off. That means damage from something like a burst pipe can be kept to a minimum.

ALWAYS ON

Flo by Moen automatically runs a test on your water system every day to test for leaks in your home. Even a leak as small as one drop per minute will alert the system and shut off the water to ensure the problem is fixed. This eliminates water damage, unseen mold, and even an increase in water bills.

TAKE CONTROL

Like many modern systems, Flo by Moen can be managed by your smartphone. You can get alerts and turn your water off or on from anywhere. You can also monitor your home’s water consumption and contact a plumber like us in an emergency.

WORTH THE CALL

The Bosworth Company is proud to offer Flo by Moen systems, fully installed and maintained. Make an appointment online, or call us at 432-570-5233, and add some peace of mind to your home water system. The Bosworth Company is Worth the Call. Always.

Can a Water Softener Help With Eczema?

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Water softeners can provide a lot more than just softer water. You’ll notice smoother, clearer skin, less build-up around your showerheads and sinks, and even softer laundry. But a water softener can be good for your health too – especially for those who suffer from eczema.

SOFT WATER = MOISTURIZED SKIN

It would make sense that water would moisturize your skin, but that’s not always how it works. Especially here in West Texas, the combination of hard water and dry air can leave your skin feeling itchy and dry after every shower.

However, soft water created by a water softener can have the opposite effect. Bathing in soft water can help heal itchy, rashy skin, even for those with eczema. Your skin will stay hydrated long after you leave the tub.

TEST THE TAP

In most homes, the water coming from your shower or bath is the same as what comes from the faucet in your kitchen sink. If you wouldn’t consider drinking from the tap, do you think it’s a good idea to bathe in it?

Hard water is caused by minerals and other contaminants that infiltrate the water as it makes its way through your pipes. While it’s not necessarily harmful to bathe in, it isn’t ideal. The minerals in the water are what will leave you dry and itchy after a long soak, especially if you have irritable skin.

A SOLUTION FOR YOU

Water softeners treat the water to help reduce the effect of those excess minerals. By adding ions (salts) to your water, it literally becomes “softer” on your skin, faucets, and even clothing. In many cases, you can immediately feel the difference when your water has been treated by a water softener.

WORTH THE CALL

If someone in your household is suffering from eczema, or any skin condition, a water softener can offer some relief. The Bosworth Company offers a variety of water treatment products and can outfit your home with the one that’s right for you. Schedule an appointment online today, or by calling 432-570-5233, and start enjoying the benefits of soft water. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

Saving Money on Your Power Bill

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These days, a lot of us are focused on saving money on the electricity in our homes. But what if we could make comfort a priority while saving money at the same time? After a long, hot summer, we’re now in the depths of winter, and your HVAC unit is likely getting plenty of use. In this post, we’ll take a look at how investing in upgrading your HVAC can help you save money on your power bill and stay comfortable.

INCREASED EFFICIENCY

If your HVAC unit is more than 10-12 years old, it may be time to consider an upgrade. As they age, efficiency decreases, making the unit work harder to keep you comfortable. For example, an older unit may need to run all day to maintain the set temperature, while a newer unit will reach and maintain that temperature much more efficiently – keeping you comfortable and saving money on your power bill.

Tune-ups to your heating and a/c are important, but frequent repairs can add-up. Upgrading to a new system can often be a better value. Not only have they not had the wear-and-tear of an old unit, but they are also state-of-the-art and made to be more efficient. Not only does this save you money, but it’s also good for the environment.

STAY HEALTHY

We talk about comfort and saving money, but a new HVAC unit can also keep you healthier. That’s because an upgraded, more efficient unit can help clean the air, filtering out dust, allergens, and other debris, all while keeping humidity levels safe. Changing your air filters are important, but a brand new unit will really help purify the air. 

You may even want to ask us about one of our new air purification units, that scientifically rid the air of contaminants.

GET IN THE ZONE

If you’re heating and cooling your whole house and only using two rooms, you’re wasting money. Newer HVAC units and thermostats offer features not found in older generations. One good example is room-by-room climate control, sometimes called “zoning.” 

WORTH THE CALL

As you can see, upgrading your HVAC system offers several advantages to your comfort. It can also save you money. The experts at The Bosworth Company can consult with you about the perfect solution for you and your home. Schedule an appointment online or call us at 432-570-5233 today. It’s Worth The Call. Always.

5 Must-Do Tasks to Complete When Selling Your Home

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Many of our posts focus on finding solutions to keep you comfortable in your home. Whether it’s HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or any number of services, The Bosworth Company has the experts you need. But sometimes you don’t make improvements for your own comfort, but to prepare a comfortable home for a new buyer. In this post, we’ll offer some practical tips on preparing your home for sale to make sure you get the most out of your biggest investment!

HVAC TUNE-UP

Your HVAC can be a subtle factor when a potential buyer tours your home and they may not even be aware of it. Keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter so potential buyers can feel the impact when they walk through the door. Getting your HVAC serviced before the sale can be a great way to ensure it’s in tip-top shape for the tour.

CLEAR THE DRAINS

Realtors, and certainly home inspectors, are going to focus on your drains. All sinks and showers should drain with no problems. A slow drain could clog up your plans for a sale. A professional plumber like ours at The Bosworth Company can make sure the drain – and the sale – go smoothly.

CLEAN ALL FIXTURES

This should go without saying, but your whole home should be sparkling for your walkthrough. Here in West Texas, hard water can make your fixtures look grimy. That chalky white substance can end up on fixtures and inside sinks, showers, and tubs. Make sure to give them a good scrub before every tour. Better yet, solve that hard water problem by installing a water purification system!

THERMOSTAT UPGRADE

At the very least, make sure to change the batteries in your thermostat. This will ensure they don’t go out at the worst possible moment. Have you considered installing a modern smart thermostat? This adds lots of value to buyers, making your home more appealing. A modern thermostat will save big money in the long run.

SEAL DOORS AND WINDOWS

Sealing up any air leaks in doors and windows not only is a good look, but it’s also a big win for efficiency and helps preserve your HVAC. Noticeable leaks will be revealed by a home inspector, so make sure to get them sealed before that happens.

WORTH THE CALL

Are you preparing to sell your home? Let The Bosworth Company help get it ready! Make an appointment today by scheduling it online or by calling 432-570-5233. It’s 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.

Installing Outdoor Lighting

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Yippee! Fall is officially here! And since it’s not 90 degrees at 8 PM anymore (at least on most days), you may want to begin spending some time enjoying your back patio! One thing you’ll need is acceptable (and fashionable) lighting. In this post, we’ll take a look at outdoor lighting, and how our electricians can help you create the perfect lighting for your outdoor spaces. This will not only make for more comfortable living, but it will increase safety and your home’s value.

TYPES OF LIGHTING

A light fixture that attaches directly to the wall is called a sconce. There are a variety of types of sconces available for outdoor lighting:

Electric sconces: Hard-wired into your home electric system.

Solar sconces: Cost-effective and easy to install. Many models will turn the lights on automatically after dark.

Battery-powered sconces: Also easy to install. Good for places where solar panels won’t work.

LIGHTING STYLES

There are many types of lamps to suit your style. Here are a few:

Flush wall sconces: These are a simple way to provide lighting along an outdoor wall.

Hanging lanterns: Lots of styles and options, but make sure you have enough room as these can take up a lot of space.

Torch lights: Depending on the style, torch lights can be similar to the lanterns. They are trendy and, depending on the bulb, can give the appearance of an actual flame.

Pendant lights: Another stylish option. There must be a place to hang the lights from.

INSTALLING SCONCE LIGHTING

Once you have your fixtures selected, it’s time to install.  As mentioned, battery and solar-powered lights are easy to install, so we’ll focus on those electrical lights.

First and most important: if the area where you’re wishing to install a light is not already wired for electricity, it’s critical that a certified electrician complete this initial service. Call The Bosworth Company to make an appointment.

Light installation could be a DIY job if you’re replacing existing outdoor fixtures. In that case, make sure to turn off the circuit breaker before making any adjustments. After disconnecting the old fixture, install the new one by reversing the steps. If you have any questions, or can’t seem to get the fixture to mount properly to the wall, please call us. Crossed or crushed wires could be a safety hazard.

WORTH THE CALL

Did you know The Bosworth Company has full-service electricians? Electrical contracting is just one of the many services we offer. Make an appointment today by scheduling it online or by calling 432-570-5233, and get starting on making your outdoor living space more livable! It’s Worth the Call. Always.