How to Prepare Your HVAC System for Spring Allergies
Spring allergies aren’t just an outdoor problem — they find their way into your home through open windows, on your clothes, and even through your HVAC system. Pollen, dust, and mold spores can settle in vents and filters, circulating through your air and making allergy symptoms worse. Hess Air has been helping families stay comfortable since 1976, improving their indoor air quality with simple, effective HVAC solutions. By swapping out filters, keeping ducts clean, and optimizing airflow, you can reduce allergens and breathe easier indoors. If you’re tired of sneezing through spring, it’s time to get your HVAC system ready. Let’s go over what you can do to improve your home’s air quality. The Role of Your HVAC System in Allergy Prevention Your HVAC system does more than just heat and cool your home — it also controls the air you breathe. Every time it runs, it pulls in air, filters out particles, and circulates it back into your living space. If your system isn’t properly maintained, it can do the opposite of what you want. Dust, pollen, and mold can build up in your filters and ductwork, spreading allergens instead of trapping them. This can make allergy symptoms worse, even when you’re indoors. The good news is, a few simple upgrades and regular maintenance can keep your air cleaner. A well-maintained HVAC system helps remove allergens before they settle in your home, giving you a healthier space to breathe. Essential Steps to Allergy-Proof Your HVAC System Spring allergies can make it hard to find relief, even indoors. A properly maintained HVAC system reduces allergens and keeps the air inside your home cleaner. 1. Replace Your Air Filters Air filters catch dust, pollen, and other airborne particles before they spread through your home. If they get clogged, allergens recirculate and make allergy symptoms worse. Replace filters every 1-3 months to ensure proper airflow and keep allergens from building up. Check your filter often during spring, as pollen levels can clog it faster than usual. A clean filter helps your HVAC system run more efficiently while improving indoor air quality. 2. Clean & Maintain Your Ductwork Ductwork collects dust, pet dander, and mold over time, especially in homes with central air. Every time your system runs, these allergens circulate through the air. Schedule professional duct cleaning if you notice visible dust around vents or worsening allergies. Inspect vents and registers for dust buildup, which can indicate dirty ducts. Vacuum and wipe down vents regularly to prevent allergens from re-entering your air. Keeping ducts clean improves airflow and reduces airborne irritants. Hess Air offers duct cleaning services to help improve indoor air circulation and remove hidden allergens. 3. Install an Air Purifier Even with high-quality filters, some allergens still make it through. Air purifiers provide an extra layer of protection by removing fine particles from the air. Whole-home air purifiers connect to your HVAC system to filter out allergens before they circulate. UV light purifiers kill mold, bacteria, and viruses that may be present in the system. Portable air purifiers can help improve air quality in bedrooms or other frequently used areas. Adding an air purifier can significantly reduce allergens and improve respiratory health. If you’re considering an upgrade, Hess Air can recommend the best air purification system for your home. 4. Optimize Humidity Levels Mold and dust mites thrive in humid environments, while dry air can cause irritation. Keeping humidity levels balanced helps minimize allergens. Maintain indoor humidity around 50% to create a comfortable environment. Use a dehumidifier in damp areas to prevent mold and dust mite growth. A humidifier helps if the air is too dry, which can cause throat and nasal irritation. Balanced humidity improves air quality and keeps allergens from thriving. If your HVAC system isn’t maintaining the right humidity levels, Hess Air offers solutions to help regulate indoor moisture. 5. Clean Around Your Outdoor Unit Your outdoor HVAC unit pulls in air, which can contain pollen, dirt, and debris. If it’s clogged, your system won’t run efficiently and may circulate allergens inside. Check your unit regularly and clear away leaves, grass, and dust buildup. Trim plants and bushes to maintain airflow and prevent debris from getting inside. Hose down the unit occasionally to remove pollen and dirt that could be pulled into your system. Keeping the outdoor unit clean helps maintain good indoor air quality. Routine maintenance from professionals ensures your system stays in top shape and runs efficiently. HVAC System Upgrades for Better Allergy Control A well-maintained HVAC system helps reduce allergens, but upgrading certain components can make an even bigger impact. Advanced filtration, air purification, and ventilation improvements can significantly improve indoor air quality. Upgrade Your Filtration System Standard filters trap larger particles, but many allergens are small enough to slip through. Upgrading to MERV 13 filters helps capture fine dust, pollen, and pet dander more effectively. MERV 13 filters block particles as small as 0.3 microns, improving air quality. Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization (NPBI) technology helps remove even smaller contaminants by clumping particles together, making them easier to filter. Electrostatic filters can also enhance allergen removal by attracting and trapping airborne particles. A high-efficiency filter reduces the number of allergens circulating in your home. If you’re unsure which filtration upgrade is best, HVAC professionals like Hess Air can help you choose the right option for your system. Install Ultraviolet Air Disinfection Systems Even with good filtration, some allergens and bacteria linger in the air. UVGI (Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation) systems use ultraviolet light to kill mold spores, bacteria, and viruses inside your HVAC system. UV light systems help prevent microbial growth in air ducts and on coils. Ideal for humid climates, where mold and bacteria thrive. Low maintenance and energy-efficient, making them a hassle-free upgrade. Installing UV purification reduces airborne contaminants before they reach your living spaces. Many homeowners add UVGI systems to their HVAC setup to create a healthier home environment. Improve Ventilation for Cleaner Air Stale indoor air allows allergens to accumulate, making
Furnace Blower Not Working? Troubleshooting Steps to Try Before Calling the Pros
A properly functioning furnace blower is essential for distributing warm air throughout your home. When it stops working, your furnace may turn on, but no heat will circulate, leaving your home chilly and uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take before calling in a professional. At Hess Air, we’ve been helping homeowners in Alamo and the surrounding areas stay comfortable since 1976. If your furnace blower isn’t working, don’t panic—try these simple fixes first to see if you can get it running again. You might be asking yourself what a furnace blower fan is anyway. It is an electric blower that works with your furnace to distribute cool air so that your home can remain warm during the winter months. Dispersing the cool air allows your furnace to heat up more quickly and keeps your energy bills down. A blower fan also helps to circulate the heated air throughout the house by pushing warm air to the vents. One of the most common signs that you have a problem with your blower fan motor or another piece of its assembly is an unusual odor or burning smell. This smell can come directly from the furnace and often will also make its way through your vents. When this blower fan stops doing its job, there can be a variety of reasons why. Here are 8 common reasons your furnace blower motor isn’t working. To verify if the fan is working, you can switch the fan on your thermostat to the ‘on’ position. If the fan starts running, this is an indicator that the problem is something other than the fan itself. If the blower fan does not spin, this could be an indication of a furnace blower motor failure. It is important to address this issue promptly to restore the proper functioning of your furnace and restore warmth to your home. Call in the experts at Hess Air at (956) 702-4377 to properly diagnose and fix any issues that could be causing your blower fan to not operate properly. If your furnace blower motor isn’t working, the first thing you will want to check is your thermostat and its settings. If the batteries in your thermostat have gone dead, it can cause your thermostat to malfunction and not properly communicate with your system. If the thermostat is properly functioning, make sure it is set to the ‘heat’ mode and that the temperature is set higher than the current temperature of the room. If your furnace blower fan is still not working, you will want to check to see if there are any power issues. First check the circuit breaker to make sure there are no switches that have been tripped or any blown fuses. You will also want to make sure that the furnace’s on/off switch on the unit is in the ‘on’ position. Another thing that can cause the furnace blower to stop working is restricted airflow. You will want to check your unit’s air filter to ensure it doesn’t need a change. The air filter collects dust, dirt, and other debris, and these things can limit the airflow and place unnecessary stress on the blower motor. You also want to make sure that the filter was inserted into your unit correctly. Check the arrows on the air filter to make sure they are pointing in the correct direction. Resetting the blower is the next thing to try if your furnace blower fan is still not working. To do this, you will first want to turn off the breaker connected to your furnace to make sure the power is off. Then, you will want to remove the blower cover, which is typically connected by a few screws in the front. Once the cover is removed, allow the blower to cool down to ensure it is safe to touch. If there is dirt or dust accumulated on the fan, you can use compressed air to clean it off. Once everything is cool, find the red reset button on the backside of the motor. You will want to push this button in to reset the furnace blower motor. Our HVAC technicians at Hess Air are highly trained if you feel more comfortable with an expert taking a look. Give us a call anytime at (956) 702-4377, and we’ll get someone out quickly. While you have the blower cover off, you will also want to inspect the motor for any visible damage or signs of wear. You can also do a visual inspection of your furnace blower’s drive belt to verify that it is not worn down or cracked and needs to be replaced. If you do see any damage to the motor or worn-out or loose components, it’s best to call on the professionals at Hess Air to handle any repairs – https://hessair.com/contact-us/ Another thing that may cause your furnace blower motor to stop working is lack of maintenance. Routine maintenance for your HVAC equipment is crucial to extending the life of your system. We offer our Hess Air Maintenance Club for affordable twice-yearly maintenance on your comfort equipment. Give us a call at (956) 702-4377 or visit our website to learn more – https://hessair.com/membership-club/ If you notice unusual noises coming from the furnace blower motor, this may point to a motor issue that a faulty capacitor could cause. You want to make sure these issues are addressed as soon as possible to ensure the proper functioning of your system. One of our HVAC experts at Hess Air can properly diagnose what is causing the motor issue and make the necessary repairs. Give us a call at (956) 702-4377 anytime – we’d be happy to help! Another thing that may cause your furnace blower to not work is a defective control board. The control board regulates the power supply to all components of your furnace, so a defective control board can cause issues with the blower motor. One of our experts can properly diagnose and replace your
Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an HVAC Company: Insights from Hess Air
Choosing the right HVAC company is a critical decision that directly impacts your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term costs. With so many options available, how can you ensure you’re selecting a trustworthy and experienced team? Since 1976, Hess Air has been the trusted HVAC professional team in the greater Rio Grande Valley. We can help you make an informed choice. To help you feel confident in your decision, we’ve compiled the top 10 questions you should ask any HVAC company before hiring them. Let’s dive in and equip you with the tools you need to choose a provider you can trust. Choosing the Right HVAC Company Your HVAC system plays a pivotal role in your daily life, far beyond just keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It’s responsible for maintaining a comfortable temperature, ensuring proper ventilation, and filtering the air you breathe. A well-functioning HVAC system contributes to a healthy living environment by reducing allergens, controlling humidity, and preventing the growth of mold and mildew. Unfortunately, choosing the wrong HVAC contractor can have dire consequences. Incompetent contractors may cut corners, use substandard materials, or fail to follow proper installation procedures. This can lead to issues, from inefficient operation and frequent breakdowns to safety hazards like carbon monoxide leaks or electrical fires. The Better Business Bureau receives thousands of complaints about HVAC companies yearly, from poor workmanship and overcharging to failure to honor warranties. Approximately 20% of homeowners report having problems with their HVAC systems within the first few years of installation. Many of these issues can be traced to faulty installation or inadequate maintenance. Investing time and effort in selecting the right HVAC company is a wise decision. It can save you from costly headaches, ensure the safety and comfort of your home, and provide you with peace of mind. Top 10 Questions to Ask an HVAC Company Choosing the right HVAC company is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and safety. By asking the following ten essential questions, you can gather the information you need to make an informed choice and avoid costly mistakes. 1. What size AC unit and type do I need for my home? The size of your AC unit is critical for optimal performance. An undersized unit won’t be able to cool your home effectively, while an oversized unit will cycle on and off frequently, leading to energy waste and increased wear and tear. The type of AC unit (central air, ductless mini-split, etc.) will depend on your home’s layout, existing infrastructure, and personal preferences. A reputable HVAC contractor will perform a thorough load calculation to determine your home’s correct size and type of AC unit. They should consider factors such as square footage, insulation, number of windows, climate, and ceiling height just to name a few. They should also explain the different types of AC units available and help you choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. 2. Are they licensed and insured? This seemingly simple question is crucial to ensuring you’re dealing with a legitimate and responsible HVAC company. A valid license indicates that the contractor has met the minimum requirements for knowledge and expertise in their field. On the other hand, insurance protects you from liability in case of accidents or damage during installation or repair. The contractor should readily provide proof of their license and insurance. You can verify the license with your state’s licensing board and check the insurance policy for adequate coverage. Be cautious if the contractor hesitates to provide proof of their credentials or offers vague answers. This could indicate that they are operating illegally or lack proper insurance. Working with Hess Air ensures you are always working with a company that is licensed, insured, and has been the experts in the Rio Grande Valley for over 49 years. Give us a call anytime at (956) 702-4377. 3. What experience and certifications do your technicians have? It is essential to inquire about the experience and certifications of the technicians who will be working on your HVAC system. Certifications, such as those offered by North American Technician Excellence (NATE), demonstrate a technician’s commitment to ongoing learning and adherence to industry standards. Hiring experienced and certified technicians increases the likelihood of a successful and efficient repair or installation. If possible, ask to meet the technician who will be working on your system to get a sense of their professionalism and expertise. 4. What brands and models do they recommend? Different HVAC brands and models offer varying levels of quality, reliability, performance, and features. A knowledgeable contractor will be familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of various brands and can recommend options that align with your needs and budget. A trustworthy contractor will also ask about your priorities (e.g., energy efficiency, quiet operation, smart features) and budget before making recommendations. They should be able to explain the pros and cons of different brands and models, providing you with enough information to make an informed decision. Here at Hess Air, we offer and service a wide variety of options so we can ensure that you find the best fit for your home. We’d love to take care of your home; give us a call at (956) 702-4377 to learn more. 5. What is the estimated cost of the unit and installation? The cost of a new HVAC system can vary widely depending on the size of your home, the type and brand of equipment, the complexity of the installation, and your location. Getting a clear and detailed estimate upfront is important to avoid any surprises later on. A reputable contractor will provide a detailed, written estimate that includes the following: Equipment costs: The price of the AC unit itself, including the condenser, air handler, and any additional components like thermostats or zoning systems. Labor costs: The cost of installation, including the technician’s time, any necessary permits, and disposal of old equipment. Material costs: Any additional materials
Common Air Conditioner Problems and When to Call for Air Conditioner Repair
Air conditioners are essential for comfort, especially during extreme summers. But, like any appliance, they can encounter issues that disrupt their performances.
