Living in Austin, TX, means experiencing powerful thunderstorms that can damage your home’s electrical system. Understanding how surge protection keeps your home safe during storms is crucial for safeguarding your property. 

Understanding Power Surge Prevention During Storm Season

When lightning strikes near power lines, it sends a massive spike of electricity through the wiring. This voltage overwhelms standard electrical systems and damages sensitive electronics. Power surge prevention involves installing protective devices that intercept these spikes before they reach appliances.

This is particularly important in storm-prone areas like Austin. A single strike can damage multiple devices simultaneously, from refrigerators to entertainment systems. By installing a surge protector, you safeguard your home from damage in advance.

Types of Surge Protection Solutions

Different levels of protection are available depending on your needs. Choosing the right combination is essential for creating an effective defense against unpredictable power fluctuations. 

• Point-of-use protectors are for individual devices, offering defense against internal surges.
• Whole-home surge protector systems protect the entire house.
• Combination systems offer maximum defense against both external and internal surges.

Now you know how surge protection keeps your home safe during storms. These solutions work together to create a comprehensive shield against various electrical threats. Electricians can help you determine which lightning strike protection solution is most suitable for your home. 

Protecting Your Home With Reliable Features

A whole-home surge protector integrates directly with your electrical panel. These devices serve as your first line of defense against external power surges.

When choosing which system is right for your home, you should pay close attention to the joule rating and response time. These two features play a critical role in shielding your home from severe damage. 

The joule rating indicates how much energy the device can absorb. Higher ratings deliver superior defense. Response time measures how quickly the protector reacts to voltage spikes.

Professional installation ensures your system is properly grounded, maximizing its effectiveness during electrical events.

How Surge Protection Provides Electrical Fire Hazard Reduction

Power surges create serious safety hazards. Excessive voltage can generate intense heat, potentially causing electrical fires. Proper protection dramatically reduces these risks.

Circuit breaker and panel integration is critical for comprehensive protection. When professionally installed, these systems work together with your existing electrical infrastructure to create multiple layers of defense.

Modern surge protection systems can also extend the lifespan of your appliances by preventing the small, repeated surges that gradually degrade electronic components.

Securing Your Investment With Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating

Having weathered countless electrical storms, we’ve developed battle-tested strategies tailored to our unpredictable and often violent weather patterns here in Austin. At Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating, we install top-quality surge protection systems designed to shield your entire home from dangerous electrical events. 

Are you still trying to understand how surge protection keeps your home safe during storms? For professional whole-home surge protection in the Austin, TX, area, contact Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating at (512) 308-3515.

As the new year begins, many people resolve to improve their living environments, but one area that’s often overlooked is indoor air quality (IAQ). You’re not alone if you’ve been struggling with poor air quality.

The good news is that several IAQ solutions are available to help you create a healthier home. 

Top Five Solutions To Improve IAQ

These IAQ solutions ensure your environment won’t harm your health or comfort.

1. Filters Are the First Line of Defense

Air filters play a crucial role in maintaining good IAQ. They trap dust, pet dander, pollen, and other pollutants that can accumulate in your home. Using high-quality filters in your HVAC system ensures particles get caught before they circulate.

Over time, dirty filters clog up and become ineffective, so you must maintain and replace them regularly.

2. Ventilation for Letting Fresh Air In

Proper ventilation plays another critical role in maintaining good indoor quality. Without it, pollutants accumulate, leading to stale conditions and discomfort. Systems such as exhaust fans and air exchangers allow fresh airflow and remove contaminants.

This is especially important in kitchens and bathrooms, where moisture and pollutants accumulate quickly.

3. Purifiers To Fight Pollutants and Allergens

Purifiers provide an excellent solution for tackling harmful particles in your home. These devices remove dust, mold spores, smoke, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

When choosing a purifier, make sure to select one tailored to your needs. For example, HEPA filters effectively remove allergens and dust.

4. Humidity To Maintain a Comfortable Balance

Humidity levels significantly affect indoor comfort. Too much moisture can lead to mold growth, while too little can cause dry skin, irritate your respiratory system, and make your home uncomfortable.

Humidifiers and dehumidifiers help maintain a balanced humidity level, ensuring the environment remains fresh and breathable. Proper humidity control also reduces the risk of allergens and pollutants circulating throughout your home.

5. Sensors for Monitoring and Adjusting IAQ

Sensors are vital in monitoring indoor quality. These devices detect pollutants, temperature, and humidity levels, allowing you to make adjustments as needed. With the right sensors, you can track IAQ in real-time and decide when to adjust purifiers or ventilation.

Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating: Your Partner in Improving Your Comfort

In addition to the solutions mentioned, consider regularly cleaning ducts and vents, which can trap dust and allergens. Routine HVAC maintenance also ensures optimal performance. 

At Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating, we understand how important fresh air is in your home. Our team is dedicated to helping you improve your indoor air quality with the best solutions. We install high-quality filters and optimize ventilation systems to ensure your home remains comfortable and healthy all year. If you want to improve your IAQ, we’re here to help.

Call us today at 512-308-3515 to schedule a consultation. Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating is committed to improving the air you breathe so that you can enjoy a healthier, more comfortable home.

The beginning of a new year is the ideal time to replace old appliances and plumbing systems. But how can you tell if it’s time to upgrade your water heater? 

This guide will help you recognize the signs that it’s time for a new water heater to kick off the year.

Five Signs You Need a New Water Heater

You might experience water heater performance issues from time to time, but does this mean that you have to replace your unit? The warning signs below indicate when to upgrade water heater systems. Reach out to a professional installer if you experience the following issues and need to replace your worn-out unit. 

1. Your Water Quality Declines

Pay attention to the hot water that comes out of your faucets. Does it have a strange odor or look rusted or cloudy? A drop in quality often indicates high amounts of sediment within the tank. 

Upgrading water heater systems ensures you’ll have a supply free of harmful contaminants. 

2. Your Utility Bills Spike

Is it time to upgrade your water heater for the new year? The answer could lie in your energy bills. Aging units tend to become less efficient so a simple way to save money long-term is to replace your system. Reach out to a professional to decide if this is the best option for your needs.

3. Your Unit Starts Leaking

Leaking tanks are one of the most obvious water heater replacement signs. Several issues may lead to a leak, including:

• Faulty relief valves
• Increased pressure inside the tank
• Material corrosion

Don’t delay replacement if your tank begins leaking. Acting quickly will minimize your risk of damage. You’ll also limit any lengthy disruption to your normal routine. 

4. Your System Is Over 10 Years Old

If you have a conventional unit, its performance may begin to suffer after about 10 years of use. These systems often last around 12 to 15 years. Rather than repair an aging unit that’s nearing the end of its lifespan, it makes more financial sense to replace the system. 

Get the most out of your investment by switching to a tankless option. These units require less maintenance and have a longer lifespan than conventional options. 

5. You Experience Extreme Water Temperature Fluctuations

Imagine stepping into your shower to find the water is scalding hot one day but then unusually cold the next. Your system might be due for replacement if water temperatures turn inconsistent. These major fluctuations could stem from a faulty heating element or thermostat. 

Contact Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating for Service

Is it time to upgrade your water heater for the new year? If you’re considering a water heater replacement, Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating is here to help. We’ll safely remove your old system and install a new, energy-efficient unit. 

Call 512-308-3515 to schedule your service today!

Most homeowners will face common furnace issues at some point. Fortunately, you can often troubleshoot these problems before calling a professional. 

This guide covers everything you need to know about diagnosing furnace issues, including when to seek repairs, why your heater may break down, and more.

Is Your System Not Working? Solutions You Can Try To Fix It

While no one wants to deal with a faulty heating system, you shouldn’t immediately panic if yours malfunctions. Use the following furnace repair guide to try and restore your heat on your own. If these measures don’t do the trick, then you’ll know when to call furnace repair technicians.

1. Check Your Thermostat

When your furnace isn’t working, there are several possible solutions to consider. One simple way to check if the heater is functioning properly is by adjusting your thermostat settings. The thermostat might not be set to “Heat,” or it could be set to a temperature too low for you to notice.

In some cases, the thermostat may not work. Replace the batteries to see if this helps. 

2. Confirm Your Heater’s Power Source Works

If you ask a professional about furnace troubleshooting, they’ll likely suggest a tripped circuit breaker as a common cause for a lack of heat. Check your home’s breaker box to see if the circuit breaker for your furnace has been switched off. Keep an eye on any power issues with your HVAC system, as they could indicate the need for professional repairs.

3. Change the HVAC Air Filter

You’ll likely experience several furnace malfunction signs if you fail to change the air filter, including:

• Restricted airflow
• Short cycling
• Higher energy bills
• Poor indoor air quality

Replace dirty filters to help troubleshoot your underperforming heater.

4. Clear the Space Around the Air Intake Vent

Your outdoor air intake vent can clog with leaves and other debris. This prevents fresh air from entering the unit and may affect its overall function. Make sure this vent remains unobstructed while you operate your heating system.

5. Inspect the Pilot Light

Gas units begin the heating cycle with a flame known as the pilot light. One of the most common issues centers around pilot light ignition. Check to see if your pilot light turns on or if it struggles to ignite. 

If your pilot light isn’t working properly, turn off the gas supply and clean the ignition tip with a soft bristle brush. Reignite the pilot light and monitor the flame. If it still fails to ignite or has a pale yellow color, you need a professional to perform repairs. 

When To Call a Professional

Reach out to an expert if:

• You’ve tried standard troubleshooting and nothing’s worked.
• You notice the smell of gas.
• You’ve noticed loud banging noises coming from your system.

Schedule Repair Services With Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating

Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating is here to help you with all your furnace issues, from troubleshooting to knowing when it’s time for repairs. Our expert team is dedicated to keeping your home warm and comfortable all season long.

Is your furnace in need of repair? Contact us today at (512) 308-3515!

Residential air conditioners rely on chemical refrigerants to pump cool air into homes. As part of an ongoing initiative to limit hydrofluorocarbons and other greenhouse gases, HVAC refrigerant changes are about to hit the industry. 

Here’s what homeowners need to know about the new 2025 HVAC refrigerants. 

Key Components of New Refrigerant Regulations in 2025

If you’re in the market for a heat pump or air conditioner, it’s important to know about a major change coming to this equipment. Manufacturers are preparing for HVAC refrigerant changes to comply with regulations put forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Check out some basic details below. 

1. They Are More Eco-Friendly and Less Flammable

The majority of cooling systems available today use R-410A. This substance has a high global warming potential by releasing considerable amounts of hydrofluorocarbons. The development of variations like R-32 and R-454B helps cut down these emissions for environmental protection. 

In addition, part of what homeowners need to know about the new 2025 HVAC refrigerants is that these substances are mildly flammable, though they are safer than previous options. You shouldn’t worry about your safety since these substances will remain in a contained space. 

2. Fixing Leaks in Old Systems Is Still Possible

If you’re still using an older heat pump or air conditioner, you may not notice the effects of new HVAC refrigerants right away. However, these units can leak, presenting an important decision. 

Technicians can refill the refrigerant if a leak occurs. If your system is relatively new and in good condition, repairing the leak is a smart choice. However, if your equipment is over 10 years old and prone to frequent breakdowns, replacing the system may be the best option.

3. New HVAC Systems Will Cost More — And Repairs Could Get More Expensive

A vital part of this refrigerant transition for homeowners is its impact on pricing. Installing a cooling system featuring eco-friendly refrigerants will likely cost more. This financial impact could extend throughout 2025 as manufacturers need to keep up with the supply chain and produce equipment with the correct substances. 

If you’re looking to save money on your equipment, consider upgrading before 2025 regulations take effect. You can also get the most out of your investment by scheduling routine maintenance. 

If your equipment is functioning well before the mandate takes effect but later breaks down, the cost of repairs could rise depending on the extent of the damage. As manufacturers gradually phase out older units using the outdated R-410A refrigerant, finding replacement parts may become more challenging.

Discover High-Quality Solutions With Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating

Now that you understand the changes to HVAC refrigerants for 2025, it’s time to take action. Contact Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating at 512-308-3515 for expert installation or repair services. Let us help you upgrade your system today!

Indoor air quality is essential for the health and well-being of your family, especially in cities such as Austin, San Marcos, Bastrop, and the surrounding cities in Texas. One often overlooked aspect of maintaining optimal air quality is regular air duct cleaning. Over time, dust, debris, and even mold can accumulate in your HVAC system’s ductwork, impacting not only the efficiency of your heating and cooling system but also the air quality within your home.  

This informative article will highlight the importance of routine air duct cleaning for maintaining excellent indoor air quality and discuss the numerous benefits of professional air duct services.

Join us as we dive into the world of air duct cleaning, uncovering the crucial role it plays in ensuring a healthy and comfortable living environment. We will also provide valuable insights and expert advice for homeowners looking to improve their home’s air quality and overall HVAC system performance.

Identifying Signs That Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning

Recognizing the signs that your air ducts need cleaning is the first step in maintaining optimal air quality. Some indications that it’s time to schedule a professional air duct cleaning include:

1. Excess Dust: If you notice an increase in dust accumulation around your home, especially near vents and registers, it may be due to dirty air ducts.

2. Uneven Airflow: Reduced airflow or inconsistent temperature control in different areas of your home could signify a buildup of debris in your ductwork.

3. Mold Growth: Mold can develop in ducts that have been exposed to moisture, compromising air quality and posing health risks to your family.

4. Respiratory Issues: If you or your family members are experiencing unexplained allergies, asthma flare-ups, or respiratory problems, it could be due to poor air quality resulting from contaminated ducts.

If you observe any of these signs, it’s essential to schedule an air duct cleaning appointment to resolve these issues and improve your home’s air quality.

Benefits of Regular Air Duct Cleaning

Routine air duct cleaning offers numerous benefits, both for your home and the well-being of your family:

1. Improved Indoor Air Quality: Clean air ducts allow your HVAC system to circulate clean, fresh air throughout your home, reducing the presence of allergens, debris, and contaminants in the air you breathe.

2. Enhanced HVAC Efficiency: Eliminating dust and debris buildup in your ductwork helps your heating and cooling system to operate more efficiently, conserving energy and reducing your utility bills.

3. Prolonged HVAC Lifespan: With the improved efficiency that comes from clean ducts, your HVAC system is less likely to experience the strain and wear that can contribute to premature failure or costly repairs.

4. Healthier Living Environment: Removing allergens, mold, and other contaminants from your air ducts can reduce respiratory issues and provide a healthier living environment for your family.

By incorporating regular air duct cleaning into your home maintenance routine, you can enjoy better indoor air quality and numerous other advantages.

The Air Duct Cleaning Process

Professional air duct cleaning services employ specific tools and techniques to thoroughly remove dust, debris, and contaminants from your ductwork. While methods may vary among service providers, a typical air duct cleaning process includes:

1. Inspection: A visual inspection of your air ducts is conducted to identify any areas of concern or visible contamination.

2. Vacuuming: Using high-powered vacuum equipment with HEPA filters, technicians remove dust, debris, and contaminants from your ducts, while protecting your indoor air quality.

3. Brushing and Agitation: This step involves using specialized brushes and other agitation devices to loosen stubborn dust and debris within your ductwork, making it easier to remove during vacuuming.

4. Air and Surface Cleaning: Technicians may use air whips or other cleaning methods to remove any remaining debris from duct surfaces and keep your HVAC system clean and hygienic.

5. Mold and Bacteria Treatment (if necessary): If mold or bacterial growth is discovered during the cleaning process, professionals may use antimicrobial agents to sanitize your ductwork and inhibit future growth.

Choosing a Professional Air Duct Cleaning Service

When selecting a professional air duct cleaning service, it is critical to look for a qualified, reputable company to ensure a thorough and safe cleaning process. Some factors to consider when choosing an air duct cleaning provider include:

1. Certification: Look for a company that is certified by an industry-leading organization, such as the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). This certification demonstrates a commitment to best practices and high-quality service.

2. Experience: Choose a company with a proven track record and experience in providing air duct cleaning services, as they will have the necessary skills and knowledge to address your home’s unique needs.

3. References and Reviews: Request references from previous clients, and consult online reviews to evaluate a company’s reputation and customer satisfaction.

4. Estimates and Guarantees: Obtain comprehensive estimates from multiple providers before making a decision. A reputable company should be transparent about pricing, include guarantees for the work performed, and offer clear explanations of the services you will receive.

Recommended Air Duct Cleaning Frequency

The recommended frequency of air duct cleaning varies depending on factors such as local climate conditions, the presence of pets in your home, and individual family members’ allergies and respiratory sensitivities. In general, it is advisable to have your air ducts professionally cleaned every three to five years. However, if you notice any of the signs mentioned earlier, you may need to schedule a cleaning appointment more frequently.

By being proactive about air duct cleaning, you can ensure that your home’s air quality remains clean, healthy, and comfortable for you and your family. Regular air duct cleaning also contributes to the long-term efficiency and performance of your HVAC system, making it a worthwhile investment in your home’s ongoing maintenance.

Breathe Easy with Professional Air Duct Cleaning Services

Regular air duct cleaning is an essential aspect of maintaining optimal indoor air quality in your Texas home. From improved HVAC efficiency and performance to reduced allergens and a healthier living environment, the benefits of routine air duct cleaning are undeniable. By choosing Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating, a reputable, certified professional air duct cleaning service, you can be confident that your home’s ductwork will be thoroughly and safely cleaned, ensuring the best possible air quality for you and your family.

If you’re looking to improve your home’s indoor air quality and enjoy the many benefits of clean air ducts, contact Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating today. Our experienced team of professionals serves Austin, San Marcos, Bastrop, and the surrounding cities, providing exceptional heating and air conditioning services to help you maintain a comfortable, healthy living environment. 

Schedule your air duct cleaning appointment today to breathe easier and enjoy a cleaner, fresher home.

Try These Brilliant Resolutions from Blue Ribbon!

A new year is all about a fresh start. There is just something comforting about knowing you have a clean slate to accomplish new goals—and perhaps even finish some leftover ones! However you decide to approach the new year, the team at Blue Ribbon knows one thing for sure: It’s important to be the smartest homeowner you can be in 2021. Smart homeowners save money, increase the longevity of their HVAC systems and enjoy better comfort all year round. Curious how YOU can be smarter in the new year? Let Blue Ribbon, Bastrop’s No. 1 furnace repair and HVAC company, share our secrets.

Get Smart: 4 Resolutions to Make in 2021

OK, so you’ve made the decision to live your very best indoor life in 2021. Congrats! This comfort and joy all starts at home with your HVAC system. Try these professional resolutions to get the most out of your home living this year.

1. Invest in a smart thermostat.

While there’s certainly nothing wrong with relying on an old-school manual thermostat for your heating and cooling, upgrading to a smart thermostat can really boost your energy efficiency. Smart thermostats learn your living patterns and adjust your heating and cooling accordingly. They learn to turn on and shut off on their own, track your energy usage and can even be hooked up to Wi-Fi so you can make changes right from your mobile phone. Bottom line: Your home will become more energy efficient and your wallet will thank you.

2. Upgrade your IAQ system.

If we learned anything in 2020, it was to never take our health for granted. Thanks to the unwanted arrival of COVID-19, the majority of us stayed inside our homes more than usual last year. This means we spent more time breathing indoor air than ever. Unfortunately, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollution ranks in the top five when it comes to environmental dangers. Don’t risk your family’s health. Keep your indoor air fresh and clean in 2021 with the addition of an indoor air quality system. Our team offers installation of purifiers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers and air filtration systems.

3. Consider adding zoning systems.

Homeowners with two-level homes or little-used rooms can benefit from zoning systems. Zoning systems rely on thermostats in every room so you can regulate temperatures. The thermostats are used in tandem with automatic dampers that are placed inside your duct system. The dampers control the airflow to the rooms you’re heating or cooling—while shutting off airflow to areas where you don’t need it. As a result, you’re always in total control of your comfort!

4. Ventilate properly.

While it’s a great idea to keep your home insulated and properly sealed, it can sometimes lead to poor ventilation inside of your home. The good news is you can still experience fresh air with the addition of energy recovery ventilators. These IAQ systems pull fresh air into your home while expelling stale air, which allows for perfect air circulation throughout your indoor space.

Bonus Tips!

Don’t forget the two smartest tips you can follow each and every year:

• Change your filters every season.
• Schedule annual maintenance with Blue Ribbon.

Think Spring! It Won’t Be Long!

While we may be throwing on extra layers for a couple of months yet, it’s never too early to think spring. Blue Ribbon is always equipped to help you with any of your HVAC needs during any season. So, feel free to reach out to us before spring hits for any early AC installation in your Bastrop, TX home. We’re always here to keep you cool, too!

Safeguard Your Home With Our Holiday Reminders

As chillier weather approaches and COVID-19 continues, we’ll find ourselves hunkered down inside our homes much more than usual this holiday season. As we hide ourselves away with immediate family to celebrate, one thing is for certain: We want to be as cozy as possible when those temperatures dip! But maintaining cozy warmth doesn’t mean we should neglect our indoor safety. We all know the holidays can be chaotic—leaving us forgetful or just plain oblivious to certain safety measures we may overlook as we wrap gifts and bake cookies. So we thought: Simple safety reminders are never a bad idea!

At Blue Ribbon, we want all of our customers to enjoy a safe and healthy holiday this year. After all, we’re not just the area’s leading air conditioner repair service in Bastrop, TX, and nearby. We’re also the HVAC company that cares about our community! To prove it, our team is offering some solid safety reminders to help keep your family protected all season.

1. Avoid kerosene heaters.

Kerosene heaters can be dangerous indoors. They produce carbon monoxide,  which can lead to a number of health hazards and even death. Our suggestion? Substitute electric for kerosene if you must use a space heater indoors. Of course, if you’re experiencing home heat loss, call our experts for some professional heating maintenance!

2. Unplug heaters.

If you use an electric space heater to stay snug, always remember to unplug it when it’s not in use.

3. Be careful with holiday lights.

Most folks know this, but it’s still a good reminder: Always turn holiday lights off before leaving the house. It is especially important to unplug Christmas tree lights when not at home. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 160 house fires per year are sparked by Christmas tree fires—many because homeowners left lights on while the tree was unattended.

4. Keep a working fire extinguisher nearby.

More than any other time of the year, the holidays involve extra candles, cooking and lights. While we don’t expect you to burn the cookies or torch that turkey, keep a working fire extinguisher handy just in case something goes awry. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

5. Don’t leave candles unattended.

Whether you’re lighting the Menorah or simply setting a festive Christmas mood at the dinner table, always stay within reach of lighted candles. Keep toddlers away from them while also keeping candles far from draperies, curtains or anything flammable.

6. Keep the tree well watered.

If you’re a “real tree” person, be sure to keep it watered properly throughout the season. Dry tree branches and lights are a combination for disaster. Be diligent about watering your live tree and your home will be much safer.

7. Install a carbon monoxide detector.

If you own a gas fireplace or other gas appliances, it’s essential that you install a working carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide poisoning is known as the “silent killer” because it has no odor. Installing detectors on all levels of your home could save your life!

8. Invest in protective screens for fireplaces.

Are you fortunate enough to have a real wood-burning fireplace? What a great way to provide heat and stay snug on a cold, frosty day! But don’t forget to invest in a protective screen to prevent sparks from flying onto your carpet or furniture. Screens also will help keep curious children and pets away from the fireplace.

9. Call for annual fireplace service.

If your home has a wood-burning or gas fireplace, keep it in the safest working condition possible by having it serviced once a year. Don’t think: “Oh, my fireplace is OK this year.” Have a professional guarantee its safety!

10. Keep pets away from festive plants.

Don’t forget about Fido and Fluffy this holiday season. Be sure to keep poinsettias, holly plants and mistletoe far from your best friend’s reach. These plants can cause gastrointestinal distress for your pet and even be poisonous to them if swallowed!

Still Chilly? Call Blue Ribbon for an Annual Heating Tune-Up!

Keeping your holiday safe and hazard-free is our No.1 wish for all of our loyal customers. If you have heating questions for your home or need us for any type of air conditioning maintenance services, we are always here for you—through each and every season. For now, we’d like to simply send you warm wishes for a cozy and happy holiday season!

These 5 Home Tips Will Bring Total Peace of Mind

In any given year, the holiday season is stressful enough. But in the year of the 2020 pandemic, it’s bound to be even more challenging. Planning meals, organizing socially distanced or video gatherings and budgeting gift purchases during a time that has affected many Americans’ wallets proves we are living in trying times.

The truth is this: Celebrating the holiday season should be fun—not stressful. And your friends at Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating want you to relish the joys of the season. So, we’ve brainstormed with our team and devised some of the best home comfort tricks that we hope will help you feel less stressed this season.

Go Tension-Free With These Tips

Jot down these ideas to live your most comfortable life this holiday season.

1. Get a tune-up. Nothing prevents HVAC breakdowns better than regular maintenance. And while Texans are very familiar with scheduling their spring air conditioning maintenance services, we shouldn’t forget that heating checkups are critical, too. Just because our chilly season is brief doesn’t mean our furnaces shouldn’t be in prime operating condition when we need them! 

2. Invest in a smart thermostat. If there’s one way to deliver peace of mind, it’s a smart thermostat. These technological beauties can automatically provide the perfect temperature settings based on your daily routines. They are “smart” because they learn your home patterns—such as when you’re home and when you’re away. This information helps them “learn” how to heat and cool your home appropriately. So, you’re not only living in perfect comfort, but you’re saving money with all that efficiency, too.

3. Save money. We’re pretty sure we’ve got your attention! After all, who doesn’t want to save extra bucks during the holidays? Blue Ribbon has some great discounts right now. From saving on smart thermostats to getting reduced rates on new indoor air quality products, we’re doing our best to keep your money where it belongs—in your wallet. You can view our coupons here.

4. Boost Your Indoor Air Quality. Put allergy and virus worries to bed by upgrading your indoor air quality to include a new air filtration system. Blue Ribbon offers a wide range of IAQ products that can purify your air and zap away annoying viruses, bacteria and other pollutants. If there’s ever been a time for cleaner, healthier air in our lives, it’s now.

5. Install a smoke and carbon monoxide detector. Put worries to rest and protect your loved ones by installing top-of-the-line smoke detector and carbon monoxide units. Even if you burn the turkey or singe the cookies, you’ll be safer knowing your home can alert you to any dangerous smoke or silent toxins.

Relax & Stay Comfy ’Til Year’s End

We hope you’ll take advantage of our comfort tips, so you’ll have greater peace of mind and fewer holiday anxieties this season. As always, Blue Ribbon is here for you when you need HVAC assistance—whether it’s air conditioning repair services in Bastrop, TX; heat pump installations in Hays County; or a ductless mini-split system in Caldwell County.

Happy Thanksgiving!