may 2021- beat the heat
As we are coming into warmer weather, we have put together some helpful tips to help you BEAT THE HEAT!
Pro Tip #1: Clean any and all weeds from around your AC unit.
Keeping the area clean helps maintain positive circulation and prevents obstruction of air flow. This can be pretty costly to repair if not well maintained.
Pro Tip #2: Make sure your air filters are clean.
A dirty air filter can lead to low air flow and a higher electricity bill. Air filters should be checked monthly and replaced as needed to improve your indoor air quality.
Pro tip #3: Adjust your thermostats to a comfortable setting.
Being in the hot sun during the day may tempt us to set our thermostats to a cooler setting once we get indoors. We recommend setting your thermostat to a comfortable setting for you and your family to help stay cool. This will also help avoid a high electricity bill!
June 2021 - welcome home
We have put together some helpful tips for all of our new and soon-to-be homeowners.
Pro Tip #1: Program your thermostat to a comfortable setting.
Congratulations and welcome home! As you are moving into your new home and getting adjusted, start by programming your thermostat to a comfortable setting. We recommend 76-78 when you are home and 78-80 when away. Remember, this is just a starting point and can always be adjusted to fit your liking and comfort.
Pro Tip #2: Keep a date log of air filters replacements.
As excited as you will be to get settled into your new home, it is important to take time to get all of your home information organized.
Whether you prefer to keep a notebook, folder in your smartphone or even writing on the air filter itself, we recommend having a date log for your air filter replacements. This will help you identify when your air filter was placed and when it is time to be changed out. Air filters should be checked monthly and replaced as needed.
Pro tip #3: Keep the manufacturer warranty dates and all contact information together.
In most cases you will need to register your new AC unit with the manufacturer. Most systems have warranty on parts for 10 years or 1 year labor coverage. With all of the chaos of moving into a new home, it is important to keep all of your documents together in one place. That may be a folder in your kitchen, a binder in your office or even kept away in your closet. Wherever it may be, you want to make sure it’s easily accessible.
July 2021- buyers guide: are you asking the right questions?
This month is for all of our customers who are unsure of what questions to ask when investing in an AC unit. There are an endless number of questions that should be asked when investing in a new AC unit, however we are going to touch on a few that we think are the most common/important.
Pro Tip #1: What is included with my investment?
Here are some of the things you will see included when you partner with Unique Solutions.
The brand of equipment being quoted with SEER rating.
- The warranty included will be dependent on the brand of unit. (This will vary.) We also give an option on extended warranty.
- We include a preventative maintenance agreement. Unique Solutions does an annual check to make sure everything is running as smoothly as possible for you!
- We include training on how to properly use your new equipment. With technology that may be unfamiliar, it is important to know exactly how to use your new equipment. We can help with that!
- We perform an air balance report before and after the new equipment is installed.
- If any additional parts are needed, you will be notified beforehand.
Pro Tip #2: What is SEER and what does it mean?
SEER stands for “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio”. You can usually find this rating for your unit on the bright yellow sticker labeled “Energy Guide”. A SEER rating measures the efficiency of your air conditioner, which is calculated by taking the cooling output and dividing it by the total electric energy being input.
A higher rating means there is greater energy efficiency. Ultimately, a higher rating saves money in the long run while still receiving the same level of cooling. Most modern air conditioners have a SEER rating that ranges between 13 and 21, with the minimum standard being 13.
AUGUST 2021- OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW
We see many different things on the job. No problem is too big or too small for us at Unique Solutions. This month, we are showing you some transformations to give you a look at our daily finds.
september 2021- furever home
This month, we will be giving out some helpful tips to help keep your HVAC systems working efficiently and effectively while living with pets.
Pro Tip #1: Change your air filter more frequently than you would without having pets indoors.
It is common for fur, dander and dust to get trapped and accumulate in your air filters. However, this causes buildup which results in your AC unit having to work overtime to provide cooler air throughout your home.
For homes with pets who shed, we recommend replacing your air filters every 30 days. The more pets you have, the more frequent you may have to replace them. A quick and simple way to remember when your air filters need to be changed is keeping a date log folder or setting a reminder on your phone of when the next replacement will be.
Tip #2: Invest in an air purifier for your home.
An air purifier helps keep the air within the home healthy. They help remove dander, pet hair, odors, mold, bacteria and more. Air purifiers can help trap these particles before they even reach your air filter. Plus, they are good for seasonal allergens too! Different air purifiers perform at different levels, so we suggest finding one that would be the best fit for your household.
Tip #3: Call an HVAC professional to perform routine HVAC maintenance.
The last tip we have for this month is having routine system maintenance performed. During this process, we ensure that your system is cleaned, identify potential risks, and we can make sure your system is running efficiently and effectively. This can be costly to repair if not well maintained. Give the professionals at Unique Solutions a call at (956) 377-2511 or visit our website to schedule your appointment!
OCTOBER 2021- SPOOKY FINDS
It’s that time of the year! For the month of October, we’re showing you all of the SPOOKY things we see on the job. What do you think you’ll see?
NOVEMBER 2021- PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR THE COOL
With the first cool front moving down into South Texas, we have put together some helpful tips to help you prepare your home for the cool weather.
Tip #1: One way to start preparing your home air conditioner for the new season is by pouring mineral oil in the unit p-trap.
During the winter months your air conditioner tends to run less. This may cause your condensate trap to dry out and allow odors to infiltrate the intake air. This is the reason why you sometimes get an odor coming out of your system diffuser. Mineral oil evaporates much less than water and it will help the p-trap from drying out. The number one question we get asked is “how much should I put?” The good news is you don’t need to add much. One cup will fill most traps and will last throughout the season.
Tip #2: Have your heating system checked.
- For homes with a gas furnace: Make sure your flue pipe is clear of any obstruction. Sometimes birds or other animals tend to nest in and around these components. Make sure your gas valve is calibrated and if need be have it pilot lit. (Most newer models are electronic ignition. This means the equipment will light the gas valve automatically.)
*Side note: Make sure the carbon monoxide detectors are operating effectively. - For homes with electric heat: Make sure your heat elements are clean and clear of any object that may cause a fire hazard. A qualified technician can take care of that issue for you.
Tip #3: CALL THE EXPERTS.
Call Unique Solutions today and we will make sure your system is working efficiently and effectively! You can reach us by phone at (956) 377-2511 or by email at info@uniquesolutionsllctx.com. You can also submit a Service Request Form on our website under the “Contact Us” page. We would be more than happy to help you get your home ready for the season to come!