GUIDE
Local businesses oer home improvement tips
2023 HOME EDITION
HOME IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE
calculation [which] is a mathematical process for measuring several aspects of a home to determine the best size while increasing the comfort inside your home. The calculation is normally performed by a trained professional, such as a comfort adviser. • Neglecting routine maintenance. We cannot emphasize enough the impact of keeping your system professionally serviced on a yearly basis. WHAT SORT OF MAINTENANCE CAN HOMEOWNERS PERFORM TO PROLONG THE LIFE OF THEIR COOLINGHEATING SYSTEM? For those handy DIYers, here are a couple of pointers on maintaining/cleaning your HVAC system: • Clean the external unit (the condenser). It’s OK to spray water on your unit while it is running, [but] do not use any chemicals. Be very careful not to bend the ns on the unit. • Cut grass, plants and/or bushes away from the condenser. Your condenser needs to breathe, and it should have a clearance of approximately 2 feet radius around the unit. • Change your lters regularly. • We do not recommend pouring bleach into your drain line in your attic; it will rust your drain pan. We do, however, recommend using an algae tablet specically designed to place in your drain pan.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD HOMEOWNERS HAVE THEIR COOLINGHEATING SYSTEM SERVICED? Investing in a maintenance agreement is one the smartest things a homeowner can do for his/her HVAC system. Regular maintenance should be performed on a yearly basis. First of all, maintenance saves you money: • It can prevent costly breakdowns by as much as 95%. • It helps reduce your energy bill by keeping your system at peak e¥ciency. • It extends the life of your system. • It protects your warranty provided by manufacturers. Most manufacturers require proof of annual maintenance. • Investing in a preventive maintenance plan gives you the comfort of knowing that if something goes wrong, you’ve already taken the steps to make the situation as painless as possible. WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON HVAC RELATED MISTAKES YOU SEE? • The most common mistake is not changing dirty/clogged lters. A lot of dirt can build in the lters, aecting airow and [causing] parts to work harder than necessary to operate. Failing to change lters allows dust and contaminants to circulate in the home when the A/C is running. • Installing the wrong size HVAC system. Upsizing or downsizing an HVAC system should be based on a heat load
ASK A FLOORING COMPANY
WEATHER READY AT HOME In addition to preparing for disasters by stockpiling food and water, homeowners can prepare themselves and their homes for severe weather events through home maintenance and repairs.
Southwest Flooring Direct, owned by Kurt Cradic, is a ooring company that has been serving Lake Houston-area homeowners since 2007.
COMPILED BY EMILY LINCKE
Renovations: while updating appliances, ooring, walls and windows
Construction: during
Now: immediately and are renter friendly
Measures that can be taken:
WHAT TYPE OF FLOORING IS BEST FOR FLOODPRONE HOUSES? Porcelain or ceramic tile is the only surface that would survive a ood. It is manufactured stone and doesn’t have any adverse reaction to extreme water exposure. Even though vinyl plank is waterproof, it would need to be removed to “air out” the foundation/suboor. Otherwise the moisture will be trapped and cause mold. HOW OFTEN SHOULD HOMEOWNERS REPLACE THEIR FLOORING? The cycles of ooring replacement will vary from surface to surface. The No. 1 factor is always wear and tear. [Floors] need replacing when the nish is soiling past the point of deep cleaning.
WHAT FLOORING IS BEST FOR HOMEOWNERS WITH PETS?
ASK AN HVAC PROFESSIONAL
the design phase of a new home or addition
Hard surface is always the best way to go with pets due to ease of cleanup, but if you have to have carpet, always buy a solution-dyed carpet with stain resistance built in. From there, you want to maybe spend a little more on a good grade of personal carpet cleaner. I have always recommended and used Spot Shot as a spot carpet cleaner. WHAT MAINTENANCE CAN PROLONG THE LIFE OF FLOORING? With hard surfaces, I recommend frequently cleaning with a vacuum, Swier or general sweeping [and] deep cleaning with something like Fabuloso for tile and Bona products for hardwood and vinyl plank. Deep clean carpets as needed by a professional.
Owned by Stephanie and Kevin Marquard, Kingwood Air Conditioning & Heating is a professional heating, ventilation and air conditioning company that has been serving Lake Houston-area homeowners for about 40 years.
Walls & oors
Windows & doors
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Roofs
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Insulating pipes with foam sleeves can protect them from extreme temperatures.
Overhanging roofs can shade windows from the sun while still allowing indirect light in.
Weather stripping can protect doors and windows from rain and external moisture.
tune-up is recommended yearly. • Change your lters. Dirty or clogged lters can lead to a catastrophic failure of your HVAC system. • A programmable or smart thermostat gives you more control over the temperature in your home and can make a big dierence on your energy bill. • While you may be hesitant to replace your system because of prices, remember that the new unit will most likely pay for itself before too long.
HOW CAN HOMEOWNERS SAVE MONEY ON AIR CONDITIONING DURING THE SUMMER? Our Texas summers are brutal, so here’s a few tips on how to save money: • Raise your thermostat 3-4 degrees higher. Each degree above 72 can save you around 3% on your utility bill. • Supplementing your air conditioner with a fan will allow you to dial down your A/C by approximately 3-4 degrees. • Keep your cooling systems in tip-top shape by maintaining them. An A/C
sunny sides of buildings. Native trees are best adapted to the home’s climate.
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Using mold- resistant insulation can improve air quality, especially in homes that are humid or prone to ooding.
Solar panel installation can be paired with a smart inverter
Thermal curtains can protect against both extreme heat and cold while conserving energy.
for optimal energy use.
Stephanie Marquard Owner Kingwood Air Conditioning & Heating 22424 Loop 494, Kingwood 281-358-0955 https://kingwoodac.com
Kurt Cradic Owner Southwest Flooring Direct 1621 Lakeville Drive, Ste. 301, Kingwood 281-358-5678 www.sw ooringdirect.com
NORTHPARK DR.
KINGWOOD DR.
LAKEVILLE DR.
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494
KINGWOOD DR.
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SOURCES: HOUSTON ADVANCED RESEARCH CENTER, TEXAS STATE ENERGY CONSERVATION OFFICE¯ COMMUNITY IMPACT
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PORTER 23611 Hwy 59 (281) 354-0733 HUMBLE 19322 US-59 (281) 540-7202
KINGWOOD 1420 Kingwood Dr (281) 359-7115 ATASCOCITA 7034 FM 1960 E (281) 812-3100
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