Category: HVAC

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.

Ceiling Fans in Winter?

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Ceiling fans are great for keeping you cool in the summer while keeping energy costs down. But did you know these can increase comfort (and, yes, even help keep you warm) during the winter? Strange but true – let us explain.

SUMMER USE

Fans are one of the simplest machines out there. They push the air and create a breeze, which keeps you cool. Simple enough, but there is actually some science behind it. The blades are designed to distribute air evenly throughout a room. This can make the room feel about four degrees cooler than it would otherwise.

FANS OF WINTER

In the winter, fans work in a similar way, only this time to help heat the room. The secret is found by flipping a small switch at the base of the fan. This will reverse the direction the blades spin and will actually help spread warm air throughout your room. Here’s how:

  • The blades draw in air from around the room and push it towards the ceiling.
  • The air hits the ceiling, then moves to the outer walls
  • From there it heads back to the floor, completing the circulation
  • We know that heat rises, so getting the warm air at the top involved in the circulation will help warm the entire room.
  • As this process repeats, the air throughout the room will feel warmer and warmer. 

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Just as during the summer months using fans means you’re not running the A/C, fans can save on heating costs during the winter. In fact, consistently running ceiling fans could save you up to 15% on your heating costs during the winter. Be sure to use an Energy Star-rated fan to potentially save even more.

Just remember, fans (for heating or cooling) are designed to circulate the air in a single room. An HVAC system is necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout your home.

WORTH THE CALL

The certified professionals at The Bosworth Company are dedicated to your comfort and have the answers you need to help make your HVAC system as efficient as possible. Call us at 432-570-5233 today to make an appointment or schedule one online. The Bosworth Company. Worth the Call. Always.

LENNOX Air Quality

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Back in March 2020, the COVID lockdown was supposed to last only two weeks. Thankfully, most of us have been able to return the work, but we’re still spending LOTS of time inside. Because of this, many families are more aware than ever of the air quality inside their home. The Bosworth Company is here to help. We are authorized dealers of Lennox HVAC products, which specialize in air purification. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the air quality advantages that their systems offer.

THE LENNOX DIFFERENCE

Does the dust in your home seem to accumulate faster than it should? Air purifiers are a good idea for families who have problems with dust, pollen, or severe allergies. Lennox systems are consistently one of the top-performing air purification options for homes and businesses. They manufacture a variety of products that can be added to your existing HVAC system to provide cleaner, fresher air. The purifiers operate while the unit is heating or cooling your home, which increases efficiency. Lennox air purifiers are capable of removing pet dander, hair, smoke, dust, viruses, bacteria, odors, and other contaminants.

PUREAIR PURIFICATION SYSTEM

Lennox’s patented PureAir system can remove 90% of viruses from the air in your home, as well as 99.9% of all airborne particles. Once you install an air purification system, you’ll likely notice a decrease in dust and an increase in the breathability of your air. It will likely smell better too!

THERMOSTAT UPGRADE

Lennox also manufactures a thermostat that can help keep your HVAC running efficiently and keep you comfortable. The Lennox I-Comfort S30 Ultra Smart Thermostat works with the air purifier enabling it to adjust and operate when air filtration is needed. It even has a feature that specifically adjusts based on humidity levels. Like many modern thermostats, it also has a clock that lets you program the system to adjust the temperature to your comfort level throughout the day.

WORTH THE CALL. ALWAYS. 

The technicians at The Bosworth Company are experts when it comes to comfort and all things HVAC. As authorized Lennox dealers, we can help find the right air purifier for you. Call us to set an appointment today at 432-570-5233, or make an appointment online. The Bosworth Company is 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.

Why is My Furnace Constantly Running?

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Cooler weather has finally arrived in the Permian Basin, so you’ve likely switched your HVAC from cool to heat. Depending on the weather outside, you may be tempted to constantly run your furnace, but is that really the best for your home and wallet? In this post, we’ll examine the best way to run the heat – to keep you comfortable and keep costs down!

LEAVING THE FAN “ON”

Most thermostats have an “on” setting that keeps the fan on continually, and an “auto” setting that only kicks on when the temperature is outside of your comfort zone. It may seem that “auto” is the most efficient setting, but that’s not necessarily the case. Here are some reasons you might want to consider flipping the switch to “on.”

  • People are at home for most of the day: On newer, more efficient models running the fan all day can be cost-effective.
  • Someone in your family has allergies or other respiratory problems: Constantly circulating the air through your HVAC will help keep it cleaner.
  • Some rooms are warmer or cooler than others: Leaving the heat on continuously will lead to less temperature fluctuation between rooms. This is especially true for multi-story homes.

LEAVING IT ON “AUTO”

Here are some reasons it would make more sense to leave the “auto” setting on your thermostat:

  • Humidity: This isn’t a big factor in West Texas, but just leaving the fan on won’t get rid of moisture in the air like an air conditioner. 
  • Inefficient fans: If your furnace fan is older than about 20 years, it really was not built for constant use. Running them constantly is not cost-efficient.
  • Attic unit: Since your attic can get extremely hot or cold, it means HVAC units located in the ceiling have to work a bit harder to maintain the temperature in your home. For that reason, “auto” is preferable if your HVAC is in the attic.
  • Leaky ducts: If you have older ductwork for your HVAC system, you could be losing a lot of energy by running the fan. If you suspect you have leaky ducts, “auto” is more likely the way to go.

WORTH THE CALL

Deciding how you should set your thermostat isn’t as easy as it seems. The experts at The Bosworth Company can help you find that perfect balance between comfort and cost! Call us today at 432-570-5233 to make an appointment or schedule one online. We can give your system a thorough check and advise you on how your furnace can work best for you! It’s Worth the Call. Always.

Choosing an Air Filter

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A couple of posts back, we explained the MERV rating used for air filters. Knowing your filters is an important part of choosing the right one and keeping you breathing easy. In this post, we’ll continue that discussion with a focus on some other rating systems, as well as how to decide which type of air filters are right for you.

OTHER RATING SYSTEMS

MERV is most common, but here is a look at all of the rating systems and how to compare them:

  • Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV): MERV is the standard rating system used worldwide. Filters are measured on a scale of 1-16, with 1 filtering the least, and 16 filtering the most.
  • Microparticulate Performance Rating (MPR): MPR measures filter quality based on the smallest particles that can get through. The rank is a sliding scale from 100 to 2800. 
  • Filter Performance Rating (FPR):  FPR was created by Home Depot with a scale of 4-10, and is similar to MERV.

Here’s a quick key for comparing filter quality between rating systems:

  • MERV 8 = MPR 60 = FPR 5
  • MPR 1000-1200 = MERV 11 = FPR 7
  • MERV 13 = MPR 1500-1900 = FPR 10

BEST AIR FILTRATION

Changing your filters is critical. A minimum of once every three months is vital to keeping you and your HVAC system healthy. Aside from keeping your air clean, it will reduce allergy triggers, reduce mold growth, and result in a lower energy bill! To see if you need a change, just check the filter to see if it’s dirty. If there’s a lot of dust and grime, that means the filter can’t work effectively and should be changed.

CHOOSING A FILTER

It may seem like you would want a filter with the highest possible rating, but that’s not necessarily the case. A high MERV rating is great if you have severe allergies, but it can limit the effectiveness of your HVAC unit as a whole by making it work harder. This can make your energy bills increase and could possibly reduce the life of the unit.

WORTH THE CALL

Sound confusing? It can be. Thankfully, the experts at The Bosworth Company can help you decide what filters are right for you! Schedule an appointment onlineor 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.

Time To Replace Your HVAC?

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Cooler weather is finally here! After an unusually hot summer, you’re probably ready for a break from the heat – and so is your air conditioning! It’s been working hard for the past several months. But it won’t be long until it’s time to fire up the heater. We always recommend seasonal tune-ups (more information on our Fall Clean and Check below) but when do you need more than just a tune-up? In this post, we’ll look at those circumstances where it might be time to entirely replace your HVAC system.

PRICEY PROPOSITION

Many of us saw high electric bills this summer. While that was mainly due to the heat – could it have been that your unit wasn’t running at maximum efficiency? Is it spiking more than it should? Let us take a look at your air conditioning unit and determine what needs to be done.

MONEY SAVER

As with any maintenance, you have to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a new unit versus frequent and costly repairs. Some maintenance is normal but regular, serious repairs could mean you’re better off spending the money to replace your unit.

IT’S TIME

HVAC units should typically last around 10 years. If you’ve had yours for more than a decade, you are likely losing some efficiency. This can be especially noticeable if some rooms are consistently warmer or cooler than others. An older unit is also more likely to have collected dust throughout the years, thus spreading it throughout your home.

WORTH THE CALL

Our Fall Clean and Check is available right now for only $109. Call today to schedule your HVAC tune-up! We’ll take a close look and give you an honest opinion about whether it’s time to consider a new system. We’ll even provide a free air filter! Schedule an appointment online or call us today at 432-570-5233. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

Attack of the VOCs

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They’re lurking in every home: air pollutants. And what’s inside can often be more toxic than what’s outside. The worst is “volatile organic compounds” or VOCs. In this post, we’ll explain these pollutants and how the right HVAC system can help you get rid of them.

WHAT IS A VOC?

A volatile organic compound (VOC) is a chemical containing carbon that can turn into a gas. They are in paints and solvents, personal care products, and plastics. Some new items even emit VOCs at a higher rate. Think of that “new car smell” or the fresh scent of anything. These things take a few days to air out and lose their scent.

VOCs IN YOUR HOME?

VOCs are emitted slowly and can be a health issue if you and your family are exposed to them over an extended period of time. Here are some common VOCs and how they could impact your health:

  • Benzenehas a sweet smell and is flammable. It’s commonly used in manufacturing things like resin, fiber, plastics, lubricants, detergents, rubber, and dyes. In other words, it’s in many of the things already in your home. Benzene is a carcinogen, which can negatively effect your immune and nervous system.
  • Formaldehydeis another common household chemical. It’s used for papers and resins, fertilizer, and can be a preservative for medicines, cosmetics, and even food. The human body also produces small amounts of formaldehyde. Exposure to too much formaldehyde can negatively impact your skin, lungs, and immune and digestive systems.
  • Acetoneis also commonly used in the manufacturing process of fibers and plastic and is used to dissolve other substances. This makes it a common ingredient in things like nail polish remover. The body creates acetone to help breakdown fat. Too much exposure can affect your blood or nervous system.

MINIMIZING VOC EXPOSURE

As you can tell, VOCs are in many very common products that are in your home. As mentioned, the only way these products pose any danger is through excessive exposure. The good news is that a proper ventilation system goes a long way to reducing your risk. In fact, a good HVAC unit replaces the air that’s inside your house with air from outside your house. That’s the best way to reduce VOCs and other chemicals lingering in the air in your home.

WORTH THE CALL

The Bosworth Company can set you up with the right HVAC system to ensure proper ventilation for your home. Call us today at 432-570-5233, or schedule an appointment online. And don’t forget to ask about our state-of-the-art in-duct air purifiers! It’s Worth the Call. Always.

Clogged HVAC Drain Line

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One of the fun scientific aspects of modern air conditioning is that it not only removes hot air from your home, it removes humidity as well. Even in a dry climate like West Texas, getting any moisture out of the air is a key way to make you feel comfortable inside your home. The moisture collected by your HVAC unit should collect in a pipe that leads out of your home. If the drain gets clogged, it collects in a pan. But that pan has no outlet. The pan will eventually overflow, causing water damage to your home.

THE CAUSE OF CLOGS

The water that collects in the air handler’s condensate contains tiny particles and bacteria that is collected in the air. These particles eventually build up creating algae, mold, and other debris in your pipes. Since the pipe leads outside, contaminants can even come in from the outside – including dust and insects.

SPOTTING A CLOG

The best way to check for a clog is by checking the drain pan. This is a wide pan that sits directly below your HVAC unit. You’ll have to go into the access to check. When you find the pan, put your finger in. It should be completely dry. As mentioned above, the pan is where the water goes when the drain line is clogged. If there’s any water at all, that means you’ve got a clog. Even if it’s not overflowing just yet – it will soon unless you get it fixed!

CLEARING THE LINE

There are some DIY ways to clean your drain line. You can try a wet/dry shop van. You can try to move the clog by suctioning from either end to loosen the clog. An air compressor can accomplish the same thing. This can be easier said than done because getting enough suction to move the clog can be difficult. A few tips include using various attachments, using a rag, or clogging the other end of the line to make the suction stronger.

If you are able to clear the clog, make sure you pour some vinegar down the drain to help kill any remaining contaminants (and even help prevent future clogs). 

WORTH THE CALL

Unfortunately, these solutions can be difficult and don’t always work. An HVAC expertcan help clear your clogged drain line by using professional equipment. This is a simple service offered by The Bosworth Company as a part of a regular Clean and Check. Schedule an appointment onlinetoday or call us at 432-570-5233. It’s Worth the Call. Always!