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Now that spring is here in West Texas, you know we’re on the cusp of warmer temperatures. And with the mild winter we enjoyed, there’s a chance we could be headed for a hot summer! You’ll want to make sure your air conditioner is ready to handle the heat and won’t break down. In this post, we’ll discuss a few ways you can tell if your A/C needs a recharge for the summer!

WARM AIR – COOL AIR

Air conditioning is supposed to decrease the temperature in your home, right? Sometimes, even if the air is blowing, it may not actually be cooling. This is especially tricky because air will feel colder just because it’s moving (like a fan), but the air may not actually be chilled if the a/c isn’t working properly.

Warm air from your vents can be caused by a variety of problems. You’ll want to check your thermostat to make sure it’s on all the right settings. If that’s not the issue, it’s possible that your system has run out of coolant and needs a new dose of refrigerant. If that’s the case, beware that R-22, commonly called Freon, is being phased out, and it may be necessary to find an alternative coolant.

FROZEN UNIT

If working properly, your A/C unit should keep your home cool, but the unit itself should not freeze up! This can happen if the coils break, allowing refrigerant to leak causing the entire unit to freeze. If this happens, you’ll see frost around the unit, or it may even be completely frozen. In that case, your A/C is no longer working and should be repaired or replaced promptly.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE

Regular maintenance is important for any appliance, and the same is true for your HVAC. The Bosworth Company is famous for our Clean & Check maintenance service, which we recommend twice a year. Our technicians do a detailed check and clean of every component of your HVAC to make sure that it’s ready to face the heat of a West Texas summer, and keep you cool!

WORTH THE CALL

If your HVAC needs a recharge, you’re considering getting a brand new unit, or you just want to take care of the one you’ve got, The Bosworth Company can help. Make an appointment online, or call us today at (432) 570-5233. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

Having an efficient HVAC system is dependent on proper airflow. If ventilation throughout your home is subpar, your system won’t work properly, your bills will increase, the temperature won’t be as comfortable, and your system’s lifespan will be shorter. In this post, we’ll take a look at some simple ways you can help increase airflow throughout your home.

AIR VENTS

Many newer homes in the Midland and Odessa areas have air vents on the ceiling. Ceiling air vents are relatively easy to keep clear. However, your home may have vents on the walls or floors as well. If that’s the case you’ll want to make sure there’s nothing blocking them. That usually includes furniture or even rugs.

Similarly, make sure to leave every vent open throughout your home. It may seem like a good idea to shut vents in rooms that you don’t use, but this is actually counterproductive and causes air to recirculate within your ducts, which is not what the system is designed to do. Any sort of blockage of your vents ultimately reduces airflow throughout your home.

AIR FILTERS

Air filters are designed to help clean the air as it circulates throughout your home. As air passes through, particles, allergens, and other contaminants are filtered out. The problem occurs when the filter becomes too dirty, and the good air can’t get through. Clogged filters make your whole system work harder – in some cases, it can cause the system to overheat, and quit producing the warm/cool air you need. That’s why it’s critical to change your air filters once every three months, at an absolute minimum. If you feel like you’re running the system a lot, change them as often as once a month. Air filters are inexpensive and can be found at any home improvement store, and even many supermarkets.

MAINTENANCE

Regular maintenance is critical for maintaining any of your appliances, and your heating and air conditioning are no exception. The Bosworth Company recommends two routine-maintenance checks per year. The best time for a Fall or Spring Clean and Check is when you’re preparing to switch from heat to cool, or vice versa. Our trained technicians will thoroughly inspect your entire system to make sure it’s running efficiently.

WORTH THE CALL

If you feel like you could use improved airflow in your home, The Bosworth Company can help. Make an appointment online, or call us today at (432) 570-5233. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

The popularity of home improvement and real estate shows on cable TV has driven the recent increase in homeowners wanting to Do-It-Yourself, or DIY. While doing it yourself is a great idea for some home improvement projects, others should be left to professionals. That’s the case for most electrical work. Because of safety and code restrictions, it’s strongly recommended that you call a pro for electrical repairs and installations. In this post, we’ll discuss three specific repairs you might consider doing yourself – but you should call The Bosworth Company instead.

CHANGING A BREAKER

The job of changing a breaker may be common, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. The problem with this, or any electrical DIY, is that one misstep could prove disastrous. When live wires are involved, a small mistake could be a major fire hazard and put you, your family, and your home in danger. Don’t risk it. Call a licensed electrician.

REPLACING AN OUTLET

Similarly, replacing an outlet may seem doable, but this is not recommended for an amateur. Poorly installed or faulty electrical outlets are common causes of electrical fires. Just like with a circuit breaker, a small error in wiring could lead to a dangerous situation such as a fire or electrocution. Get a licensed electrician to help you out.

LIGHT FIXTURES

How many experts does it take to screw in a lightbulb? When it comes to changing a bulb – yes, that’s something you should be able to do at home. But if you’re talking about light fixtures (including the wiring), beware. Home improvement shows on TV can make it seem easy, but again, is it really worth the risk of something going wrong? If you’re looking to install a new light fixture, leave it to the pros.

WORTH THE CALL

The Bosworth Company built its reputation in plumbing and HVAC – but our services include a team of fully certified electricians. We can cater to any of your electrical needs, especially the ones you shouldn’t try on your own. Make an appointment online, or call us today at (432) 570-5233. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

 

Residents of Odessa and Midland enjoy a desert climate, but that doesn’t mean we’re immune from some cold spikes throughout the winter. When that happens, you need your furnace to work properly to keep you warm and toasty. A major red flag for any homeowner that uses gas heat is seeing water around the furnace. In this post, we’ll examine the problem of a leaking furnace, what causes it, and how you can fix it.

HUMIDIFIER LEAK

It’s possible that your home has a humidifier attached directly to the furnace. This is great for adding moisture to the air, especially in the ultra-dry climate of West Texas. However, because it creates excess moisture, it can often contribute to a leak if there’s a clog or broken mechanism around the humidifier or furnace.

CONDENSATION LEAK

A condensation leak is a common reason to find water around your furnace. Modern, high-efficiency furnaces require two heat exchanges. This process causes increased moisture, which leads to condensation. This liquid should drain out of your home via a drainpipe, but if the pipes break or are clogged, the water can accumulate quickly and lead to damage.

FILTER CLOG

It may seem odd that an air filter could lead to a water leak, but it could happen. When air filters are clogged, it makes your entire unit work harder, while at the same time restricting airflow to your furnace coils. This can lead to the coils freezing, which will cause the entire system to malfunction.

PLUMBING LEAK

Sometimes water around your furnace isn’t necessarily coming from the furnace itself and could be coming from somewhere in your plumbing system. While leaks are never a good thing – this could actually be good news because a simple plumbing leak is likely easier to fix than a complicated furnace repair. Either way, it’s something you shouldn’t ignore.

LEAKING AIR CONDITIONER

Here in Odessa and Midland, it’s not uncommon to use both your heater and your A/C during the mild winter. You may even need both on the same day. Condensation that is naturally created through the air conditioning process can build up and drip onto the furnace. This may cause you to think there’s a leak on the furnace, when in fact there is not.

HEAT EXCHANGER

Heat exchangers within a furnace are another source of condensation. Whenever moisture is created, there’s always the possibility of a leak. This is rare for heat exchangers but has been known to happen.

WORTH THE CALL

If you determine that your furnace is leaking, there are a few things you should do right away. The faster you act, the less time and money you’ll spend on repairs:

• Turn off the heat
• Clean the area around the furnace, including any standing water
• Call The Bosworth Company

Leaving water around any location of your home is never a good idea, and can lead to extensive damage. The experts at The Bosworth Company can diagnose any HVAC-related problems, and get you fixed up fast without a lot of headaches. Make an appointment online, or call us today at (432) 570-5233. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

As water makes its way from reservoirs to your home, it picks up a variety of minerals that cause it to become what’s known as “hard water.” This is common in the Odessa and Midland area, and while hard water isn’t necessarily dangerous, it tastes bad and leads to a variety of inconveniences around your home that have been discussed at length in our previous posts. In this post, we’ll take a look at some specifics of what it takes to install a water softener and what it will mean for you and your family.

WHERE TO INSTALL

If you’re getting a water softener installed for the first time, it’s important to know where the system will be installed. A water softener is typically connected to the main water line, so it can service your entire home. Oftentimes it can be installed near the water heater, which means the water will be softened before it enters the water heater. This will improve efficiency and lengthen the life of your water heater.

In West Texas, the softener can be installed in a garage utility closet, but it must be in a place with access to both electricity and a drain. These are components that can typically be added as needed. Technicians at The Bosworth Company can identify and tell you where in your house installation would be the most practical for your needs.

INSTALLATION TIPS

When it’s time for the actual installation, our technicians will need to clear the area. Once the water is shut off, the installation can begin. Be prepared to have the water turned off for a few hours for installation, and any delays or surprises could mean you’re without longer for even longer.

We don’t recommend a novice homeowner or general handyman attempt to install a water softener on their own. The experts at The Bosworth Company have professional training that makes the process safe and efficient. We’re familiar with local building codes and permitting requirements and can ensure the job gets done right the first time.

WORTH THE CALL

Water softeners generally require routine, but minimal, maintenance. The good news is that The Bosworth Company offers rental packages on our water softeners that include maintenance! For full details on various water softeners for purchase or rental, make an appointment online or call us today at (432) 570-5233. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

Renovations are an exciting thing for any homeowner. Redoing a bathroom, kitchen, flooring, or even a simpler project is a great way to improve comfort and increase the value of your home. But did you know that home renovation projects have the potential to cause problems for your HVAC system? In this post, we’ll discuss ways you can prepare your HVAC for any remodeling plans to make sure this doesn’t happen to you.

FRESH FILTERS

We often harp on the importance of changing your air filters – and this is especially true if you are about to have work done on your home. That’s because the dust created from construction debris can easily get in the air and circulate throughout your home. Clean filters will not only catch those particles but also make sure air continues to flow freely, so you can breathe easily! It’s actually a good idea to change out the filters both before and after a renovation project. Depending on the size of the project, you might even need a fresh filter partway through!

CURTAIN CALL

Curtains are great decorative accents, but they are terrible about attracting dust and are often infrequently cleaned. Get ahead of your renovation by removing curtains during the project, to prevent that dust from attaching itself to your drapes. Since you can’t just pack up your carpet on a whim – give them a deep clean once the renovation is complete. All that excess dust is bad for your systems (personal and HVAC)!

TAKE A BREAK

Depending on the time of year, you may even consider reducing how much you run your HVAC while the renovation is taking place. Air circulation is normally great for your home, but if you’re just stirring up dust, it could be a negative. If a high volume of dust particles do make their way into your system, it could cause major efficiency issues!

CLEAN AND CHECK

The Bosworth Company recommends getting your HVAC cleaned and checked by a professional at least twice a year. If you haven’t had yours checked out in a while, and you’re planning some home renovations, now may be a good time. Things like high energy bills, dirty filters, dust, and temperature changes around your home can be a sign that your unit needs a tune-up.

With milder temps so far this year, The Bosworth Company is still offering our Fall Clean and Check. For just $109, our expert technicians will completely service your entire system. Make an appointment online, or call us today at (432) 570-5233. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

It’s no secret that hard water is prevalent here in the Odessa and Midland areas. Hard water is the result of minerals accumulating from their source, traveling through your pipes, and into your home. Not only does it taste terrible and smell funny, but it also causes chalky buildup on your showerheads and faucets, leaves film on your sinks and bathtubs, is hard on appliances, and leaves your skin and hair dry. Needless to say, there are lots of advantages to a water softening system if you live in West Texas. In this post, we’ll discuss the WaterTech Series of water softening products, which are proudly offered by The Bosworth Company.

NO ESCAPE

Scientifically speaking, water is H2O: two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen. But “hard” water is created when that H2O mixes with minerals on its way to coming out of your tap. About 85% of all U.S. homes are said to have hard water, though, in some areas, it’s worse than others. The Permian Basin is one of those areas.

WATERTECH SERIES

Welcome to the world of water treatment. That’s the process of purifying your water by taking out many of the minerals that cause it to be hard and/or adding molecules that neutralize the minerals that make the water hard.

WaterTech offers a variety of ways to combat hard water, with their line of water conditioners, softeners, and reverse osmosis products. Some, like the REIONATOR PRO and SOFTMAX PRO focus on filtering your water for use in showers and sinks. Others, like the RO PUREPRO are designed to make your water better tasting for drinking and cooking. We have a solution for you, whatever the specific needs of your home may be.

WORTH THE CALL

The Bosworth Company is proud to offer the full line of WaterTech Pro Series products for sale or rent. Give us a call and schedule a consultation with one of our experts to begin the move to better water. Make an appointment online, or call us today at (432) 570-5233. It’s Worth the Call.

Things like raw sewage, lead, or other compromised water lines are what people often think of when they think of contaminated water. These days, there’s another potential danger in your drinking water: perfluoroalkyl substances, commonly called PFAs. PFAs are becoming a popular subject in the world of water filtration, as families look for clean water solutions. Thankfully, water filtration systems, like the ones available from The Bosworth Company, can help rid your water of harmful PFAs.

WHAT ARE PFAS?

New research shows that PFAs are more prevalent than originally thought. Exposure to high levels of PFAs could result in a wide range of potential side effects, including decreased birth rates or high cholesterol.

PFAs are concerning because they don’t break down over time. Their presence in drinking water can lead to a buildup of the substance in your body. For nursing moms, at least one study showed PFAs could even show up in breast milk. Because of their prevalence, agencies, including the EPA, are paying very close attention.

WATER FILTRATION CAN HELP

There are many forms of water filtration, and not all of them are effective at removing PFAs. For example, a water pitcher filter you keep in the fridge won’t do much. However, reverse osmosis (RO) or a multi-stage filtration system can remove all or almost all PFAs.

RO systems are often installed at individual faucets, while filtration systems such as water softeners can be installed to filter water for your entire home. PFAs can be prevalent in city or well water, but it’s especially important to have your water tested if you use well water. This will tell you exactly how many contaminants it contains, and how important a quality filter is for your home.

WORTH THE CALL

Water filtration can be critical to help reduce the presence of PFAs in your drinking water. Here in West Texas, water softeners and RO systems are even more valuable because of the common occurrence of hard water, which isn’t necessarily dangerous, but tastes bad, and can be hard on your skin. If you want to protect your family from potential side effects of PFAs, and give your household clean, freshwater, schedule an appointment with The Bosworth Company or call us today at (432) 570-5233. We offer water softening as well as RO systems for sale or rent with service included. The Bosworth Company is Worth the Call. Always.

The more you know about a topic, the more you learn about it and the more you talk about it. The same is true with your HVAC system. When it’s time to get your heater or air conditioner serviced, The Bosworth Company will pair you with a technician who can diagnose any issues, and explain how we can help in terms you can understand. In this post, we’ll go over a few of the terms that may come up, so that you know how to interpret them! (Don’t worry, our techs will explain everything thoroughly to make sure you understand!)

HVAC GLOSSARY

• AFUE stands for “Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency.” This measures how efficient your furnace is at converting fuel into heat. The higher the AFUE rating the better!
• Air filters collect particles and contaminants as they’re sucked into your system, preventing them from being circulated throughout your home.
• Evaporator coils are housed in the inside units of ACs and heat pumps, and outside units house condenser coils. The coils remove heat from the air in your home and are used in both heating and cooling.
• Dampers are located inside your air ducts and help move air throughout the system.
• Ductwork is the network of flexible metal-based tubing in your attic that circulates air throughout your home.
• Your furnace converts fuel into warm air for your home.
• The heat exchanger is a series of tubes that bring air to the furnace to be warmed by the burners, then bring it to your home.
• A heat pump is a system that provides heating and even cooling to your home.
• IAQ stands for “indoor air quality.” That’s the goal of your HVAC! It can be achieved by maintaining proper ventilation, routine cleaning, and maintenance.
• Programmable thermostats allow you to remotely control the temperature in your home. This can be done through a computer or smartphone and enables you to adjust the temperature to your comfort level according to your schedule.
• Refrigerant is a liquid that carries heat between the evaporator and condenser coils.
• SEER stands for “Seasonal Energy-Efficiency Ratio.” This measures the overall efficiency of your system. The higher the better!
• Zoned systems allow you to set the temperature for particular rooms in your home. This requires separate units and is controlled by individual thermostats.

WORTH THE CALL

Have you mastered the terms yet? If not, no worries – the certified professionals at The Bosworth Company will take the time to explain your system and the services we provide. Make an appointment online, or call us today at (432) 570-5299. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

We’d all love to make every possible improvement to our homes, but unless you strike oil or win the lottery, chances are you have to be strategic about which improvements you prioritize. One major factor in determining not only how an improvement will improve your quality of life – but also how much it will increase the value of your home. In this post, we’ll explore some of the reasons that installing a water softening system can improve your home’s resale value – including some you may not have thought of!

WORTHWHILE UPGRADE

When you think of home improvements, you typically think of cosmetics. But there are some functional upgrades you can make as well, and a water softener should be at the top of that list. It significantly improves your water for washing and bathing – and will do the same for the new homeowners should you decide to sell.

HARD DECISION

The decision to get a water softener is a “hard” one, but it shouldn’t be difficult. That’s because not only will you enjoy the benefits of soft water, you will also avoid the pitfalls of hard water. Hard water, which is basically all tap water in Odessa and Midland, not only tastes terrible and is bad for your skin, but is also very hard on appliances. The life expectancy of all of your water-using appliances will instantly increase when you invest in a water softener. This will save you (and a future homeowner) money.

ADDING VALUE

A water softener adds monetary value to your home. Depending on a few factors, it’s estimated that a new water softening system will instantly add $5,000 to $10,000 to the value of your home. Some of that value comes from the system itself, but the long-term value comes from the increased performance of all water-using appliances.

BENEFITS OF SOFT WATER

Here are just a few of the reasons that a water softener is a great investment in your home,  even if you don’t plan on selling anytime soon:

• Your water will instantly look and feel cleaner.
• Hard water can make your clothes feel stiff and starchy. A water softener will go easy on your laundry, making your clothes softer and longer-lasting.
• Whether it’s dishes in the dishwasher, shower walls, or bathroom countertops, soft water will mean no spots on surfaces!
• Not only will your appliances last longer, but they’ll also run more efficiently because the build-up from hard water won’t slow them down!
• Hard water can leave your skin and hair dry and itchy – soft water removes those concerns to leave your skin smooth and your hair silky!

WORTH THE CALL

A water softener can be a great investment for anyone looking for cleaner, fresher water. The Bosworth Company even offers full water softening systems, as well as reverse osmosis (RO) bundles for sale or rent, with maintenance included! Make an appointment online, or call us today at (432) 570-5233 and talk to an expert about what a water softener can do for you! It’s Worth the Call. Always.