Author: Kevin

Just Let the Blue Ribbon Team Coach You!

Texans love football. Youth, high school, college and professional—it doesn’t matter. We are obsessed with this great sport and the entertainment it provides our Lone Star State during the fall season. Soon enough, the weather will take a turn and we’ll slip from the high humidity of summer into the cool temps of autumn. And this first taste of fall reminds us the NFL season is here! So, as we prep for lazy Sunday afternoons on the couch in front of the TV, it’s time to ensure our indoor comfort is in top condition.

Play the Comfort Game—and Win

Ready to become a genuine winner? Here are three important tips in the HVAC playbook that will make sure your system is scoring extra points when it comes to achieving the indoor comfort you so rightly deserve.

1. Schedule a Preseason Tune-up
   
   Sure. it still might feel like summertime, but we know colder days are right around the corner. This is why it’s critical to call in the pros now for a preseason heating system tune-up. While cozy heat might be the furthest thing from your mind right now, September and October are actually the perfect months to schedule heating maintenance for your Bastrop County or nearby home. Schedule a checkup now and you’ll be safeguarding your home against furnace breakdowns and repairs all while boosting your system’s efficiency!
   
2. Be a Great Home Defender
   
   Don’t go scrambling to fix your home’s indoor air once members of your family start getting sick. Block those yucky germs and home invaders before flu season starts by investing in your home’s indoor air quality. Blue Ribbon offers a wide variety of indoor air quality products that can filter and clean your indoor air. Our certified techs can tackle indoor air pollutants by installing (and maintaining) air purifiers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers and whole-home air filtration systems. In the era of COVID-19, there is no better time than now to protect your air. Call us for advice or more information.
   
3. Block Future AC Problems
   
   When the warmer weather starts to wind down, you’ll eventually be turning off that AC. When that time comes, it’s a good idea to invest in a new air filter as you transition from cooling to heating. In addition, you can prevent AC problems from popping up next spring by checking your electrical connections, cleaning condenser coils and removing dirt and debris from your outdoor unit. These steps help ensure a good working AC system when you turn it on again come spring.

Catch Better Indoor Comfort Today

It’s never fun to have to punt when your HVAC system in unable to gain yardage. Your best line of defense against any breakdowns is to keep your system in shape all year long with regular maintenance and seasonal tune-ups. And Blue Ribbon is always here to help coach you toward perfect comfort. From tackling your indoor air quality issues through the installation of a new air purifier to firming up your heat pump each and every season, we’ll always have your back.

Our Pros Give Answers to Help Keep You Cool

Struggling to get quality sleep right now? You’re not alone. Many Texans find it difficult to round up some good Zzz’s during the summertime—and you have the excess heat and humidity to thank for that. Fortunately, the majority of us are spoiled—and totally chilled—thanks to the wonderful invention of central air conditioning.

But what happens when that cool air isn’t reaching all the rooms of your house? We’ll tell you what happens—your family has a tendency to get sweaty, cranky and very uncomfortable! But don’t fret. There are simple answers as to why certain rooms in your home may be hotter than others. Check out our six troubleshooting tips to learn how you can alleviate any indoor discomfort you may be experiencing.

Try These Home Tricks For Cooler Living

OK, so you’ve noticed your bedroom is hotter than the family room—or vice versa. Why is this happening? There could be a few reasons. Ask yourself the following six questions:

1. Are your windows 100% shut and locked? If not, cool air could be escaping.
2. Have you had your air ducts checked or cleaned since you moved in? If not, they could be hindering your airflow. Call us!
3. Are you changing your air filters regularly? Summer months often require multiple changes. Replace them.
4. Are all your vents fully open? Sometimes vents get bumped and accidentally shut without you even knowing!
5. Is there anything blocking the vents? Make sure you don’t have any furniture that is blocking vents and preventing chilled airflow?
6. Are there rooms in your home you rarely use? Close those vents so cool air is re-directed to other areas of the home.

More Troubleshooting Tips!

Did our troubleshooting tips helps? If yes, great news! If not, the problem could be something that might require professional service from Blue Ribbon. Here are four more possibilities:

Misplaced thermostat

For the most accurate temperature readings, it’s important your thermostat is placed in a spot where you spend the most time, like a family room. Try to refrain from placing it on a wall that heats up faster than other areas of the house. Poor placement only provides unbalanced temperatures throughout the house.

Outdated insulation

If you have an older home with outdated insulation, cool air could be escaping through the walls—and leaving some rooms warmer than others. If you have concerns, call in our insulation pros!

Too much direct sunlight

If you have a room that receives too much sun, it will naturally be hotter than others. Try shutting the blinds during the daytime or purchase ultraviolet blocking shades to block out the heat.

Wrong size AC system

Believe it or not, the wrong size cooling system can affect your indoor comfort. If your system is too big or too small for your home, you will experience unbalanced cooling throughout your home.

Ready to Lasso Some Indoor Comfort Help?

If you aren’t able to solve your cooling issues using our troubleshooting tips and you need an AC repair or an AC replacement in your Bastrop County home—call us! Our team of Blue Ribbon techs would be happy to arrive at your doorstep with professional solutions that continue to keep you cool until that summer heat winds down.

And Boost Your AC System’s Reliability

Sometimes, it’s hard to imagine that people back in Colonial days had zero air conditioning—especially when they wore all those heavy waistcoats, wigs, petticoats and stockings! Not to mention they only bathed a few times a year. Yikes! Are you feeling sweaty, yet? Now that you’ve started to appreciate today’s conveniences, you’re probably thinking about how much you owe your cooling system, right?

It’s true! Our air conditioners do great things for us! So, as the weather continues to heat up and we take refuge in our cool homes, we want to be sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your system running seamlessly. So, without further ado, Blue Ribbon is here to offer 11 amazing ways to keep your home cooling in peak condition—so it’s 100% reliable all summer long.

1. Use those ceiling fans.

Your ceiling fans use much less energy than your air conditioning system, so use them if you have ‘em! The less you use your AC, the more money you’ll save.

2. Clean vents and filters regularly.

In the summer months, it’ll improve your air if you change your filters every month. It may sound excessive changing them more in the summer, but it helps prevent allergen buildup and allows your system to work more efficiently. Clearing—and cleaning—return vents will also benefit your indoor air.

3. Purchase some window tints.

Does your home get a large amount of direct sunlight? Tinting your windows or installing a light-blocking film over them can help keep your home cooler.  If you do this, set your AC one to two points higher than normal—and see if this helps your utility bill and your indoor temperature.

4. Remove debris from your outside unit.

While you should always check that your outdoor unit is free of debris before summer starts, it can’t hurt to double-check in mid-summer. Remove any old leaves, branches or other debris that has accumulated around your outdoor unit.

5. Call for that annual tune-up.

OK—no brainer here. Call Blue Ribbon for a regular tune-up. We’ll ensure your cooling system is working swimmingly and at peak efficiency.

6. Get your ducts inspected.

Don’t let something that’s out of sight stay out of mind. If you haven’t had your ductwork inspected for over 10 years and you’re noticing airflow issues, it could be your ducts. Call for a professional inspection. You may just need a good cleaning!

7. Bump up the thermostat temperature at bedtime.

Give your air conditioning a needed break by bumping up your system a degree or two at night and utilizing ceiling or oscillating fans while you sleep!

8. Install a smart thermostat.

If you don’t have a smart thermostat, what are you waiting for? Great for keeping homeowners on budget, these devices learn your home patterns—when you’re at home, at work or sleeping—and adjust your temperatures accordingly.

9. Eliminate the ins and outs.

Cut back on opening and closing of windows and doors throughout the day. This is an especially important reminder if you have young children or pets constantly wanting to be inside— and then out again! You lose energy when doors and windows are constantly opened and shut.

10.  Seal troublesome cracks/openings.

If you’ve noticed cracks or small openings around windows and doors, they could be allowing cool air to escape. So, get them sealed—stat! Naturally, it’s best to call on a professional so it’s done properly.

11. BONUS TIP: This won’t help boost your AC efficiency, but it will keep you cool: Grab an iced cold beer or glass of lemonade and chill out in the pool!

Happy Summer from Blue Ribbon!

The team at Blue Ribbon hopes you are enjoying your summer and staying cool indoors. If you ever notice that your home is feeling the heat, please feel free to call on our team of HVAC specialists for AC repair, AC replacement or ductless mini-split installation in your Bastrop County home. We’ll do our best to help you keep a cool head!

Make This Year’s Father’s Day His Best One Yet!

When June rolls around, two things are certain. Summer has officially begun and Father’s Day is on the horizon.This means it’s time to start seriously thinking about everyone’s favorite guy—Dad! Thanks to last year’s pandemic, many of us didn’t get the chance to see our dads, so we think it’s only right to make this Father’s Day one that Dad will never forget. How so? Well, instead of giving Dad the traditional neckties, grilling tools, T-shirts and coffee mugs, why not think outside the box when it comes to Father’s Day gifts? And since many of us at Blue Ribbon are dads ourselves, we can help. We’ve got great ideas on just the right “out of the box” gifts to make dad smile—and keep him cool, too!

Don’t Worry, Make Dad Happy

We all know summers in Bastrop County can get pretty steamy. So, it’s imperative that Dad’s summer AC temperatures and indoor comfort stay perfect if he wants to make it through another long, hot summer. Here are five ways to keep him cool and happy at home, not just this Father’s Day—but all season long.

It’s time to make Dad…

1. Smarter

Dads always want to be the smartest person in the house, right? Invest in a smart thermostat for him and you’ll make him feel like the smartest guy on the block! Smart thermostats learn your patterns, meaning they know when you’re home, when you’re sleeping and when you’re away—and they set your home temperatures accordingly. Dad can even adjust and set the smart thermostat right from his phone. So, he’s always in control—and feeling smarter than ever.

2. Cooler

Does Dad have a special room or space where he likes to enjoy his hobbies? Maybe it’s the garage, an attic space or even a shed where he spends time crafting or building. For many homeowners, these spaces aren’t climate controlled—and can often make Dad feel hot and sweaty. But if you install a ductless mini-split in Dad’s solo room, he’ll be as chill as a penguin! These small zone-controlled systems are prefect for areas without ductwork and do a great job keeping spaces cool.

3. Richer

Being a dad means you have to stay on top of all kinds of homeowner issues. From buying car insurance and paying the mortgage to renewing your home’s maintenance plan, being a responsible dad is hard work. Here’s an idea: Why not renew Dad’s maintenance plan for him—or even sign him up if he doesn’t have one? You can prepay for the year and Dad will get two service appointments: one in the fall and one in the spring! It’s a great way to let Dad know you’re in his corner and allow him to save money, too.

4. Healthier

How’s Dad fairing with his allergies this year? We’re past cedar fever season, but that doesn’t mean indoor allergies from dust, pet dander or other home chemicals aren’t affecting him. Help clean the air for Dad by calling to schedule a whole-home indoor air quality installation! Today’s IAQ systems can do wonders for those with allergies, including zapping viruses, bacteria, mold and many other household contaminants.

5. Happier

Time to make Dad dinner! It’s Father’s Day after all. Head to the store and grab some big juicy steaks and Dad’s favorite six pack of beer. Then, treat him to a night of grilling and serving. You might even consider lighting some tiki torches by the fire pit and putting on his favorite oldies station. He’ll be smiling from ear to ear.

Call for a Cool Pick-Me-Up, Too

As always, Blue Ribbon is happy to handle all of your heating and cooling needs. From a quick AC tune-up to full-on AC replacements, we’re always here for our Bastrop neighbors. We hope you all enjoy a healthy and happy Father’s Day this June 20. We know we will! Happy Father’s Day!

Keep Cool & Eat Hamburgers All Month

As the weather starts heating up, more and more homeowners are prepping their backyard patios and summer grills for some fun in the sun. After all, May unofficially kicks off the summer season. For instance, May is both National Barbecue Month and National Hamburger Month, which means many homeowners will be entertaining friends to celebrate! But as responsible homeowners and decent hosts, you need to be sure your home is “guest ready” while they enjoy their burgers, which includes ensuring proper AC and ductless mini-split system functioning!

Naturally, Blue Ribbon is here to offer our very best ideas for keeping your guests totally chill this season! To be certain your celebrations are a success, follow these seven tips to keep your home safe and healthy. (You may even save money in the process!)

1. Schedule two times the service for your ductless system.

Do you cool your home with a ductless mini-split system? Many of our clients do because these reliable systems are efficient and affordable. However, they require a bit more maintenance and service than traditional central air systems. Be sure to call for service regularly (twice as often as a regular system)—and clean the air filters every few weeks. After all, preventive maintenance is the best way to ward off problems down the road.

2. Check your plumbing.

Planning a large family gathering to celebrate National Hamburger Month? Then, you’re going to have plenty of people traipsing through your family room en route to the bathroom. Clean those toilets and sinks and be certain your pipes are in top shape (i.e. your toilet is flushing properly) before your party. The last thing you want mid-celebration is an overflow problem!

3. Change those air filters.

It’s critical to change traditional AC system filters each and every season. It’s healthy, fresher and allows for much cleaner air. If you have questions about the best type of air filters for your home, call our team! We can explain HEPA, fiberglass, pleated, electrostatic and UV to you so you’re 100% informed on what will work best for your home.  

4. Check in on your indoor air quality system.

While cedar fever season is behind us, this doesn’t mean family members won’t still suffer from other allergies. For instance, if you own a pet and have guests who are allergic to dander, they might suffer while inside your home. Be sure your indoor air quality system has been serviced and is functioning properly. Guests will thank you as they breathe in clean, filtered air.

5. Vacuum the house.

Once you’ve changed your air filters and serviced your IAQ system, do a final vacuuming of your home’s carpets so all pet hair, dust and other contaminants are totally gone. This prepares your guests for a clean, healthy home!

6. Call for an AC tune-up.

You know we couldn’t propose that you throw a burger party without first being certain your central air system is functioning at its highest efficiency. If you’ve signed up for our Blue Ribbon Champion Plan, then you’re already ahead of the game, tuned up and ready to go. If you’re in need of spring AC maintenance, give our team a call today! We offer a 21-point cooling tune-up that ensures long lasting efficiency all summer long.

7. Count the burgers.

So this might be a no-brainer, but be sure you have more than enough hamburgers to feed your guests. No one likes an empty stomach when they’re trying to celebrate both National Hamburger Month and National Barbecue Month!

Our Last Cool Reminder

As spring turns into summer, our team of pros at Blue Ribbon wants to remind you that we handle all kinds of cooling issues that might arise in your home. When you need AC installation, AC replacement, AC repair, ductless mini-split service, AC maintenance, indoor air quality service and more, we’re here for you 24/7. Happy barbecuing and grilling to all!

That’s a Resounding “No” — Learn the Different Types

We’ve made it through the worst of cedar fever season here in Bastrop County. But there are bound to be lingering effects for some allergy sufferers. This is one of the many reasons that providing your home with the very best in air filtration is so critical these days. In an era where COVID-19 has invaded our lives—and our homes, it is more important than ever to ensure a safe, healthy environment for our families. At Blue Ribbon, we recommend top quality air filters to boost the indoor air quality in your Bastrop County home. After all, the cleaner your air, the better life you can live! But if you’ve never considered the quality of your air filters before, you might have questions, such as: Are all air filters the same?

And that answer is a big “no.” Let us explain.

Different Air Filters Do Different Things

While it’s your air conditioner that keeps you cool, it’s the air filters in your system that determine the type of air you breathe in on a daily basis. While all air filters work to keep your air healthy and clean, some do more than others.

First, let’s explain air filter ratings. Air filters are rated from 1 to 20 on what is called the MERV scale. This acronym stands for minimum efficiency reporting values. The higher the number on the scale, the better the air filter is at removing indoor air particles. Now, let’s take a look at the different types of filters and the benefits of each.

HEPA filters

HEPA—which stands for high efficiency particulate air—filters are a great choice for those who suffer from allergies. So, even with cedar fever season behind us, these filters are a great option for homeowners in Bastrop County. They can trap small particles, such as pollen, dander, smoke and dust mites, so that none of those pollutants makes it into your safe space. Recommended MERV scale rating: 7-13.

Fiberglass filters

Fiberglass air filters are fairly common options for many furnaces. And while they do a fine job of protecting your system from dust, they don’t do much to improve your indoor air quality. Advantages include the fact that they are inexpensive and also disposable. If you don’t suffer from respiratory issues, this is an adequate filter. Recommended MERV scale rating: 2-4.

Washable filters

Washable air filters are great because they can be reused again and again, but they typically only prevent large particles from entering your home. And while they are inexpensive and can last up to 8 years when cared for properly, they do have a tendency to develop fungus or bacteria after so many washings. Recommended MERV scale rating: 4

Electrostatic filters

Another filter that works well for allergy sufferers and those with respiratory issues is the electrostatic filter. These filters use an electromagnetic charge to grab particles, such as pet dander, dust and mold —all the pollutants that many allergy sufferers battle. Bonus: Some are even washable. Recommended MERV scale rating: 8-11

Ultra Violet (UV) Filters

When your goal is to zap away bacteria, mold and viruses in your home, UV filters are the best choice. While they are less efficient at filtering out dust and other small contaminants, they will fight micro-organisms and germs that can threaten your health. Recommended MERV scale rating: about 11

Pleated filters

These filters use a folded pattern (think accordion style) to capture small debris, such as pet dander, pollen and dust. Higher MERV ratings on pleated filters can sometimes also filter out bacteria and viruses. Recommended MERV scale rating: It depends. Ask us for details.

Which Air Filter Is Best for YOUR Home?

Ready to install some fresh, new filters? Great! If you’re still questioning the best type for your home, give our team at Blue Ribbon a call at 512.308.3515 to set up an appointment. We can advise you on the best option for your home depending on your situation. As always, Blue Ribbon is only a call away when you need heating and cooling advice or our outstanding services, such as an AC replacement in your Hays County home.

You Can Always Call Blue Ribbon 24/7, Too

Well, Texans, we certainly experienced the worst of Mother Nature’s wrath the last few weeks. Unexpected snow accumulation, ice storms and record breaking dips in temperatures swept across the entire state—leaving many of us with no heat, no water, damage to our homes and so much more. But we are Texas strong and we will bounce back from this disaster. And Blue Ribbon Cooling and Heating is here to help.

The damage many of our area homeowners have endured hits close to home for us, which is why our team is committed to helping our community in any way we can. This includes sharing our professional knowledge with you! So, here goes! We’ve put together some fairly simple preventive measures you can follow to help protect your home should we ever experience such a paralyzing ice crisis again. As always, Blue Ribbon is here for you 24/7—for all of your HVAC needs.

Smart Tips for Safer Homes

Here are five ways you can prep your home to avoid disaster in the future.

1. Insulate those pipes.

While Texas doesn’t experience a deep freeze all too often, frozen pipes are one of the top reasons for home damage in colder weather. A burst pipe can cause a huge amount of monetary damage to a home. The solution to preventing burst pipes in freezing weather is to insulate them properly—especially pipes in crawl spaces, basements and lower level areas. Bonus tip: During a cold spell, let your faucet drip just a bit to keep water running.

2. Install a smart thermostat.

Smart thermostats are a great investment—and they can be a lifesaver during freezing temperatures. Not only do smart thermostats “learn” your patterns and re-adjust temperature settings according to your lifestyle, but they can help prevent water damage and freezing pipes as well. How? Well, adding wireless sensors to a crawl space or a basement (if you have one) will help monitor the temperatures in these lesser-used areas. If temps dip below freezing, your smart thermostat’s alarm will alert you to cold temps! Pretty neat, huh?

3. Purchase a home generator.

When the power goes out, a home generator offers total peace of mind. A standby generator will keep your heater running, your fridge cold and your phone charged. Depending on the size of your home, you can purchase a reasonably priced generator to keep things moving until the power returns.

4. Clean gutters and storm drains.

Prevention is always key. While we can’t anticipate when poor weather will hit, we can still keep tabs on our gutters and storm drains. Making sure they are clear of debris allows for better run-off and easier drainage.

5. Trim large branches.

When temperatures dip below freezing, moisture on tree branches is one of the first things to freeze. And when heavy limbs crack and fall, they can knock out powers lines or damage roofs, cars or other property. Trimming branches and unsafe limbs on a regular basis can help prevent disaster.

We Offer Emergency HVAC Services in Bastrop, TX

The community in Bastrop County is a tight-knit group. We always look out for each other and strive to help during difficult times. If the team at Blue Ribbon can assist you in any services as we navigate our way through this latest weather challenge, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Whether you need furnace maintenance, a heat pump installation, emergency service or other HVAC services, we’re always here to help. Call our office at 512•308•3515 to see how we can assist you today.

Celebrate the Holiday by Prepping for Summer NOW

Happy President’s Day! This month, kids all over the country are studying presidential history and celebrating the birthdays of two great forefathers—George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. As we look back on these groundbreaking presidents, we think about how their leadership helped shape our nation. Of course, these historical figures had many things in common, including strength, vision and determination. But they also shared another common trait we find essential: Excellent planning! Being a great planner is the first step toward a successful legacy—especially if you’re a homeowner!

Just like Abe and George, homeowners should make plans. But theirs should include home strategies that ensure their indoor comfort stays consistent each and every season. So, let us ask you: Have you set your own plans in motion for summer yet? If not, let Blue Ribbon—your No. 1 heating installer in Bastrop, TX, be the first to help!

5 Ways to Prep Your Home for Summer—It’s Never Too Early

At Blue Ribbon, we want nothing but the best for our customers so we’re always willing to help. To get your home in presidential shape for summer, zone in on these top five tips.

1. Change those filters.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but homeowners are notorious for forgetting about them. Dirty filters cause your system to work harder than necessary—throwing off your energy efficiency, aging your system and increasing those energy bills.

2. Consider an air conditioning replacement.

If you suffered through inconsistent temperatures due to a faulty cooling system last summer, don’t do it again. An outdated air conditioning system can truly be an energy-waster—not to mention the drain it puts on your wallet. If your system is over 12 years old, your energy bills have skyrocketed and your home simply isn’t keeping your family cool, it’s probably time for an AC replacement. Handling this upgrade now versus later in the summer—when everyone’s AC is tanking—is a great idea. Call our pros at Blue Ribbon to schedule your replacement and installation sooner than later!

3. Schedule your annual maintenance check.

You take your car to be serviced every 5,000 miles, right? Well, in the same vein, your HVAC needs regular TLC. Call Blue Ribbon for an annual tune-up now and we will clean, lubricate and fine-tune your HVAC unit using our system of checks and balances.

4. Clean the condensation lines.

When these get clogged, your system can develop all kinds of cooling issues. Find where the pipe drains out and be sure everything is draining properly. If you need help, call our team!

5. Install a programmable thermostat.

Want to save money this summer and put those extra bucks toward a vacation? Then consider investing in a programmable thermostat. These beauties allow you to set temperatures for when you’re home and when you’re away. There’s no better way to control your comfort while saving money and energy!

Planning Is Easy With Blue Ribbon Nearby!

While we’re currently helping homeowners with professional furnace repair due to some chilly days, that doesn’t mean summer temps aren’t on the horizon. Take time now to plan for the upcoming warmer months by calling Blue Ribbon today for your annual AC maintenance or to learn more about AC replacement. We promise you presidential, first-place, Blue-Ribbon-winning service!