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How Much Insulation Do You Need for Your Attic?

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If your attic isn’t properly insulated, your A/C will struggle in giving off enough cool throughout your Longview, TX home. When dealing with attic insulation, it’s quite hard to tell whether you have enough or you still have to add more.

No worries! Here are a few guidelines from our experts at Napps Heating, Cooling & Plumbing to let you know when it’s time to beef up your attic’s insulation.

Signs of Insufficient Insulation in the Attic
  1. Dirty and Wet

Wet, dirty, and damaged insulation can be the result of water leaks or excess moisture in the attic. It is best to install new insulation but, be sure to seal the leaks first. Call in an expert for further evaluation on your attic.

  1. Exposed Attic Roof Joists

When you start seeing the floor of the attic, you know that you need to add insulation. For most houses in Texas, having six to eight inches of attic insulation is enough. Because it settles over time, adding a little would be a wise move.

If any of these situations are evident, then you’ll need to add extra insulation on your attic. How much to add depends on your location and house setting. If you’re in a too hot or too cold region, adding an R30 on top of your existing insulation is a good choice. But, if your insulation has been removed entirely, an R60 would be a perfect replacement option.

Best Types of Attic Insulation

When replacing or adding insulation for your attic, here are three of the best options available in the market.

  • Loose Fill Insulation

For attics with plenty of obstacles and framing, loose fill is the ideal choice. It covers even the tightest spots in your attic, ensuring that the cool air won’t leak.

  • Batt Insulation

Also called rolled insulation, this fits homes with standard-sized joists. Batt insulation comes in various sizes. You can easily install it on top of the old insulation, which makes the entire process easy and simple.

  • Foam Insulation

If you want to keep more of the cool air indoors, foam insulation is another good choice for attic insulation. It offers a better air seal both during summer and winter.

Your attic requires a proper amount of insulation to make sure that conditioned air won’t escape outside. For all your insulation needs, our experts at Napps Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can help! Call us or visit our website if you wish to know more about the services we offer.

 

 

6 Things That Affect the Cost of Central A/C Installation

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Whether you’re planning to install a new central air conditioner or replace your existing system in Longview, TX, you surely want to get a hint of what the cost looks like. Generally, it’s not only the labor cost that you have to know but also the factors that impact the overall installation cost. Check out these factors below!

  1. Type of Air Conditioner

The kind of A/C you choose has a huge impact on the installation cost. Of course, your choice should depend on your home’s load and comfort requirements. Contact your air conditioning contractor to help find the right one for your space.

  1. Unit Size/Capacity

The size doesn’t necessarily mean the physical dimension of the unit. It also refers to its cooling capacity. Generally, installing bigger air conditioning units has greater costs. It’s absolutely important that you get the right size suitable for your space and needs.

  1. A/C Replacement

Commonly, the cost of replacing a central air conditioning system is lesser than the cost of adding a new unit to your space. Why? By replacing the system, there is no need to make changes on the infrastructure such as wiring and ductwork. In some cases, they may need some repairs, especially if you want the system installed in another area.

  1. Add-ons

Are you planning to add extras on your HVAC systems like UV lights or air purifiers? They can indeed enhance your comfort and make your indoor air a lot cleaner, but they can also add to the cost of installation. Before putting in any add-ons to your heating or cooling system, make sure to ask for an estimate from your installer first.

  1. Ductwork

Adding or replacing your existing ductwork for your new central A/C system can considerably add to the cost of central A/C installation. The cost for installing the ductwork may vary depending on the size of your space, design of the ductwork itself, ducting material to use (fiberglass, plain sheet metal, or fiberboard) and the tightness of the crawl spaces where the ducts need to be installed.

  1. Number of Vents

Installing a central air conditioner requires you to add more return and supply vents for proper airflow. You will need more of them, especially if there are more areas to be cooled. The more vents to be installed, the higher the installation cost.

Aside from knowing these factors, it’s more important to find a reputable installer who will do the job right. Take note that the quality of installation has a big impact on your A/C’s efficiency and performance.

When you need experts to install your central air conditioner in Longview, TX, don’t hesitate to call us at Napps Cooling, Heating & Plumbing.

5 Home Improvement Projects to Do This Summer

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Are you planning to do some home improvement projects this summer? Excellent! This is the best time to work on your home enhancement, expansion, and renovation ideas both indoors and outdoors.

Improve the look and value of your Longview, TX home with these five (5) home improvement projects perfect for the cooling season.

Roof Repair

Summer is a weather-wise season to do roof repairs. You can work on basic repair projects like fixing damaged or loosened shingles and coverings. Simple repairs can be done. But, if your roof is seriously damaged, a full roof replacement might be needed. Ask your service company to do a complete inspection to know the extent of the damage.

Bathroom Remodel

Give your bathroom a grand look this summer by doing a complete renovation project. Start with replacing your shower head and faucets with more attractive design. The same goes for your tub and sink. Make all efforts to come up with a refreshing and magazine-worthy shower room.

Insulated Siding

Did you know that adding insulated siding can help you save energy? A properly installed insulated siding can shield the studs and prevent the air from escaping through cracks and small holes in your home. Siding is available in different designs and colors which can offer a dramatic makeover to your house.

Building a Deck

Summertime is about enjoying the warm weather outdoors; thus, adding a deck would be a great entertainment space. An outdoor deck can add huge value to your home, especially if you plan of selling it in the future. If you don’t have an outdoor deck yet, now is the time to work on it. You may opt for patios or ground-level decks, depending on your budget and residential space. Raised decks also look good this summer.

HVAC Upgrade or Replacement

Don’t forget the benefits of upgrading or replacing your HVAC cooling system. A properly working HVAC system can give you great savings on energy, increase your property’s value, and maintain a healthy indoor environment for you and your family. Upgrade your system to a newer model with the most advanced features.

Let us help you tackle big projects on your home this summer. Napps Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is among the leading home improvement and HVAC contractors in Longview, TX that you can trust. Contact us to get started!

A/C Losing Its Cool? How Air Conditioning Coil Cleaning Can Help

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The coils play a crucial role in your air conditioner’s cooling process. Keeping them clean and maintained ensures efficiency and long-term health of your air conditioning system.

When your A/C isn’t cooling, it is worth checking the coils for dirt and clog. Let’s see how coil cleaning helps your system work well.

Two Types of Air Conditioning Coils

Evaporator and condenser coils are essential to the operation of your air conditioner. The evaporator coils absorb both humidity and heat indoors while the condenser coils release the heat outside your home.

If one isn’t working at peak efficiency, it could be the reason why your A/C isn’t cooling your space. Poor heat transfer reduces the efficiency of your system to cycle correctly; thus, requiring your A/C more pressure to release enough cooling level.

Benefits of Air Conditioning Coil Cleaning

Increased Indoor Comfort

Air conditioners help eliminate uncomfortable and unwanted humidity indoors as part of its cooling process. With dirty coils, your unit diminishes its efficiency, causing higher humidity in your home. Don’t neglect cleaning your A/C coils to keep you comfortable these warm months.

Reduced Cooling Costs

Less efficient A/C operation can lead to higher energy costs. Coils that are caked in dirt, grime, and debris cause your system to work harder and longer to cool your space. The longer it operates the more money you have to spend on your energy bills. Be sure to keep the coils dirt-free to avoid sky-high bills.

Longer System Lifespan

Clogged evaporator coils can cause premature wear and damage to the compressor. Protecting the compressor from possible wear and tear damage due to coil clogging lets you avoid costly repairs. This is why you should maintain clean coils at all times.

Fewer Possibilities of System Repairs

You air conditioning system may break down any time because of over-stressed components like condenser coils. When your A/C malfunctioned this summer, you’ll find yourself making service calls for A/C repair which you surely don’t want to happen.

These warm months, it’s necessary to take precautionary steps to prevent your A/C from potential breakdowns and reap these benefits offered by clean and well-maintained coils.

If you need a certified air conditioning company for coil cleaning and other services, feel free to contact us at Napps Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. Turn to our experts for all your residential and commercial HVAC needs in Longview, TX.

 

6 Common A/C Problems Homeowners Face During Summer

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When the sun starts to heat up your space, your air conditioner becomes more prone to several mechanical problems that may lead to costly repairs. But, don’t fret! Our experts at Napps Cooling, Heating & Plumbing can help you identify these issues beforehand.

Check out these A/C problems that you may experience in your Longview, TX home.

  1. Air Conditioner Not Kicking On

You don’t have to suffer from the heat simply because your A/C isn’t turning on. Several issues can cause this problem such as a malfunctioned thermostat, broken compressor, and tripped circuit breaker. Check all these components to know where to start the repairs (if needed).

  1. Not Too Cool Indoor Air

You know when your air conditioner is working well if it blows in cool air based on your preferred temperature. But, if your home feels warmer or doesn’t cool at all, you might need to check your A/C for potential problems like restricted airflow. When air is obstructed, it’s either because the filters or the ducts are dirty and clogged. Be sure to clean the ducts and change the filters as necessary.

  1. Sky-High Energy Bills

Summer means your A/C has to work double to beat the heat so; it isn’t really surprising when you have to pay high electric bills during warmer months. While using air conditioner is inevitable in summer, you can limit your energy consumption by keeping routine maintenance of your unit to help it work efficiently. Contact your air conditioning company in Longview, TX for a maintenance service.

  1. Strange Noises From Your A/C

Healthy air conditioners are mostly silent when operating. But if yours produces strange sounds like banging and clicking, it means something is wrong with the unit. In most cases, odd noises imply issues on the compressor, condenser, or fan motor. Any of these components need a thorough inspection for necessary repairs or replacement.

  1. Short Cycling

Another problem you could encounter this summer is a short cycling A/C unit. It shuts off somewhere even before the thermostat meets your desired temperature. But, you can prevent this by getting an annual A/C check-up to ensure the unit is properly calibrated, the thermostat is well functioning, and other air conditioner components are maintained.

  1. Broken Thermostat

Without the thermostat, your air conditioner won’t work efficiently throughout the summer months. This is why you have to keep your thermostat in good working condition to secure a comfortable temperature in your home. Be sure its batteries are good, and the functions are responsive.

You might face any of these issues these long summer months. But, don’t worry! We’ve got your back.  Napps Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can help you solve these problems for an enjoyable and comfortable summer. Schedule an A/C service in Longview, TX today!

6 Common Air Conditioning Questions & Answers

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You’ll crank up your air conditioning units anytime soon. Eventually, you’ll have questions in mind that need answers to keep you cool in Longview, TX. No worries! We’ve compiled six (6) common A/C questions along with the answers. Enjoy reading!

Why Is My A/C Freezing Up?

Often, air conditioners freeze up due to low refrigerant levels or airflow issues in the evaporator coils. You also want to check other components like thermostat setting, air filters, vents, and condenser fan. In case your A/C freezes up, turn off your system immediately. Don’t run it unless an air conditioner tech says so.

How Will I Know If My Air Conditioner is Broken?

You’ll know if your A/C is damaged by simply looking at the signs including odd noises, rooms not cooling or taking too long to cool, increased energy bills, and uneven cooling. Any of these signs indicate that your system needs professional care. Contact our technicians for professional A/C repair service.

When Should I Replace My Air Conditioner?

A/C replacement in Longview, TX is a crucial decision to make. With this, you have to consider the factors below.

  • Your System’s Age. It’s time to replace your air conditioning unit if it’s more than 10 y/o.
  • Low Refrigerant/Leaking Refrigerant. A leaking refrigerant signals danger in your safety and health. It’s best to get a new A/C unit if you encountered problems on the refrigerant.
  • Skyrocketing Bills. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. If your energy costs are rising, it’s a sign that your cooling system is wearing out and needs replacement.
  • Cost of repair. Replace your unit is repair costs are expensive.
Should I Set the A/ C Fan to ‘ON’ or ‘AUTO?’

Setting the fan to AUTO helps you save money on energy costs. The ‘ON’ setting allows the air to circulate in the entire house for even and balanced temperature. Set it to ‘ON’ if everyone’s at home and leave it in ‘AUTO’ setting if no one’s around.

Should I Turn On My Dehumidifier This Summer?

Your comfort is at its best during summers when your cooling system is paired with a high-performance dehumidifier. It will make you feel better while protecting your home from musty odors, mildew, and other potential issues.

Does Size Matter?

Most people think that bigger air conditioners are better. Well, they’re wrong!  A comfortable house isn’t all getting the largest A/C in the store. What’s important is to find the right-sized system that suits your cooling needs, considering several factors like your home’s square footage, heat exposure, and more. Make sure to get an A/C that’s just right for your home.

Do you have other questions about your air conditioner? Call us at Napps Cooling, Heating, and Plumbing for expert answers.

Oil Heating: Interesting Facts You Should Know

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When it comes to heating houses and commercial spaces, heating oil is one of the top options. Do you know why? There are many reasons why it remains popular and in-demand.

If you want to find out more about heating oil, here are interesting facts that will make you realize it is a smart choice.

How is it produced?

Heating oil comes from petroleum. The fuel is produced by heating the crude oil at a high temperature. Once done, the oil condenses from 250 degree Celsius up to 350 degree Celsius.

Other Names for Heating Oil

Heating oil has various names in different places. But, they all mean the same thing. Below are some examples.

  • Gas Oil
  • Paraffin
  • Kerosene
  • Fuel Oil
  • 28 Second Heating Oil

Summer Is the Best Time to Buy Heating Oil

Did you know that heating oil is much cheaper in summer? Yes, you read it right! Buying heating oil during the hot season can save you a bigger amount of money. It is relatively cheap when you do not need it (obviously because it is summer). When the demand is lower, the price is lower, too.

Is Oil Heating Safe?

Heating oil for residential use should only be paired with the advanced burning system in your furnace or oil-burner. Oil is definitely safe to use. It is not explosive, unlike natural gas. In fact, you can even drop a match into it. Inhaling a fuel oil fume is not fatal compared to other types of gases.

Being environment-friendly is another good thing about heating oil. Over the past years, its sulfur content has been reduced up to 93% which makes it ideal for home use. Recent studies by Oil & Energy state that heating oil is less damaging to the environment in terms of overall emissions.

The Supply Can Meet the Demand

When using heating oil, you have nothing to worry about the supply even when the demand is high. World heating oil reserves are abundant and enough for all its users. Moreover, current advancements in industry technology guarantee that oil supplies remain abundant in the future.

Is Heating Oil Clean and Energy Efficient?

With heating oil, you are sure that your heating system produces no dirt or odor. Why? Because oil heat is 95% clean! Energy efficiency ratings of heating appliances that use fuel oil range from 83% to 95%. Furthermore, heating oil produces around 140,000 BTUs of heat every gallon which is equivalent to 100,000 BTUs from natural gas.

Want to learn more about heating facts and interesting news about the HVAC industry? Keep in touch with us at Napps Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing. Contact us to get started.

 

10 Fun Plumbing Facts You Never Knew

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Plumbing has been around for centuries now yet, most of us are still unaware of its basic facts and information. While it is not completely necessary to be well-versed in dealing with plumbing issues, it can be useful to know these plumbing facts.

  1. The word ‘plumbing’ originally came from “plumbum” which is a Latin word for lead. This is where the atomic symbol for lead (Pb) was adapted from.

 

  1. Standardized plumbing began around 3,000 B.C., where the early civilization in Indus River Valley used plumbing pipes to transport water and drain wastes. Take note that the pipes are made of clay or mud.

 

  1. As the water travels from the heater to your plumbing fixtures like faucet and bathroom, heat loss may happen in the process. Yet, by insulating your residential pipes, you can cut the amount of heat loss. It can help you save a great amount on energy bills.

 

  1. The term ‘bathroom’ has many different names in various places all over the world. Some of the most favorite names include: House of Horror (Egypt), Necessarium (Rome), House of Privy or House of Privacy (England), La Chambre Sent (France) and House of Honor (Israel). Such funny names!

 

  1. Is a leaking faucet not a big deal to you? Think again! A dripping faucet can waste over 3,000 gallons of water in a year.

 

  1. John Harrington invented the first flushing toilet in 1956. This is why others would call their bathroom as “the John.”

 

  1. Did you know what caused King George II of Great Britain to die unpredictably? He died not because of illness but because of falling off the toilet on October 25, 1760. How unfortunate!

 

  1. Do you know the most famous plumbers ever existed? They are Mario and Luigi of the video game, Super Mario Brothers!

 

  1. Sir William Congreve was a British man who invented the first fire sprinkler system. The pipes were punched along the ceilings, and a regulator was installed outside the building to control the water that runs through the pipes.

 

  1. An average person spends three years of his entire life sitting on the toilet. (That sounds gross, but we hope that you brought a good book to read while sitting).

Keep in touch with us for more updated facts, news and information about the HVAC and plumbing business. Napps Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing also offers emergency services for plumbing issues that can’t wait. Call us for all your comfort needs in Longview, TX.

6 Proven Methods To Save Energy With Commercial HVAC Systems

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Looking for ways to cut your commercial HVAC operating costs? Any building owner can tell how much it takes to maintain a comfortable environment in commercial spaces. To lower the energy consumption of your commercial HVAC system, check out these proven and tested strategies from Napps Cooling, Heating & Plumbing

Invest in Programmable Thermostats and Smart Control Devices

Today, many HVAC units are monitored and regulated by smart technologies which offer comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency. One of those is programmable thermostats which feature a network of sensors that control and constantly monitor the temperature all over the building. Investing in these devices is a good start to save up to 40% of the overall energy costs.

Schedule an Energy Audit

Another way to reduce your office’s energy usage is by knowing and understanding where the energy is used and wasted. A comprehensive energy audit helps identify the errors in the HVAC system, repair, and maintenance services through a full inspection. All potential factors such as the number of occupants and the system’s performance are taken into consideration. An energy audit makes it easier to find and fix the problem.

Make Repairs Immediately

With well-operating heating and cooling systems, you have better control of your system’s energy usage. Therefore, if anything goes wrong in your HVAC equipment, do not delay any repairs. Act on it promptly as soon as you notice the issue. Putting off repairs may result in more expensive repairs and system breakdown.

Set a Preventive Maintenance Program

Stop the problem before they even occur. A professional HVAC preventive maintenance goes a long way when energy efficiency is concerned. If regularly checked and maintained, your commercial HVAC system would work at peak efficiency even under extreme weather conditions.

Upgrade Your Old HVAC Equipment

A new HVAC system is a big investment, but it can boost your savings and comfort. You might need to install retrofits before replacing the system entirely. Consult your contractor regarding retrofits for information and assistance.

Reinforce Your System’s Insulation

Insulation is not just about sealing cracks around the windows and walls of the building. Your HVAC system needs it the most as far as pipes, ducts and electrical outlets are concerned. Make sure they are properly insulated to keep high energy costs at bay.

With the high cost of running commercial HVAC systems, these expert tips can give a hand on your energy-saving goals. Contact us at Napps Cooling, Heating & Plumbing for more friendly tips. Keep in touch with us to learn more!

 

Commercial Building Owners: Did You Know Your HVAC Upgrades May Be Tax Deductible?

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One of the greatest challenges that building owners face is pulling out some cash when replacing their outdated commercial HVAC system. Thanks to the recent tax legislation for upgrading the HVAC system on commercial buildings. What does this federal tax law say? Keep reading to learn more!

U.S. IRS Tax Code Section 179: What is it?

Effective on 1-January, 2018, the federal tax code has expensed all quality heating and cooling products at the moment they are purchased and installed. The U.S. IRS Section 179 along with the 2017 HVAC Expensing and Technology (HEAT) Act states that any commercial property owner can now deduct all components of their HVAC equipment in full (total amount of purchase) during its first year right after the purchase.

How is it different from the old depreciation law?

Under the previous depreciation law, a commercial property owner who purchased and installed an HVAC system with a total cost of $14,000 (for example), he/she can claim about $350 every year within 39 years. But with the new tax law, business owners can immediately subtract the $14,000 expense for a repair or replacement project in the same year of purchase or installation. At an estimated marginal rate, a commercial property owner can save more than $5,000 in taxes per year.

What kinds of business property does the tax law cover?

Here are two (2) general requirements from IRS:

  1. The building “qualified property” should be personal, tangible and depreciable property acquired for active business operation. Land (bought from 2018 onwards), buildings and vehicles are included.
  2. Any property purchased and used in the same year you claimed the deduction. This means that the property should set up, currently working and being utilized for business. Properties bought that remain unused don’t count.

What types of HVAC improvements should you consider?

Before making any purchase, make sure to get a complete energy audit for your commercial building. It offers an opportunity to learn the energy needs of your building’s indoor environment and tackle existing problems. The inspection should cover all components of the HVAC system including ducts, bypass dampers, filters, cooling towers and more. Talk to an HVAC expert to know what upgrades you should consider.

Keep updated on the latest news and happenings in the HVAC industry by calling Napps Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. Or, contact us for the latest HVAC trends, tips and more!