GUIDE
Local businesses o er home improvement tips
2023 HOME EDITION
ASK AN AIR CONDITIONING EXPERT HOME IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE
wants to move forward, then we have to submit for [homeowner association] approval, and we have to pull permits. So the whole process takes like 30-90 days, depending on the area. HOW LONG DO SOLAR PANELS LAST? There’s no maintenance on a solar system for 25 years. Everything comes with a 25-year warranty, so if anything needs to be replaced, we replace it at no charge to the customer. After 25 years, there might be some maintenance, but manufacturers give the panels a 40-year useful life. DOES THE WEATHER IMPACT SOLAR PANELS? It’s based on a credit system. So there’s going to be cloudy days, and the system is only going to be producing maybe 50%, but because of the credit system through the utility companies, you’ll have credit stored up from those extra sunny days, and those are going to carry over on cloudy days. So it all evens out.
ASK A SOLAR ENERGY EXPERT
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
BY GRANT CRAWFORD
Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical recommends homeowners follow these steps to keep their air conditioning systems in top condition.
Devin Kuretski, the owner of solar panel installation company Aura Solar, o ered advice for homeowners interested in converting to solar energy.
WHY ARE OWNERS CONSIDERING INSTALLING SOLAR PANELS ON THEIR HOME? What gets people excited about it is the ownership aspect. We own our houses; we own our cars; and now you can own your electricity through solar panels. You can own your power for the same price, if not less, than you would rent your electricity from the utility companies. On top of that, it builds value on your house. Then also it’s good for the environment and a way you can support renewable energy and help the environment for future generations.
HOW MUCH DO SOLAR PANELS COST? It’s based on how much electricity you need, and that will relate to the cost. What I tell most people, because most people do the nancing option, that it’s going to be right around what you pay now, if not substantially less. Most people are able to save 10%-20%. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO INSTALL A SOLAR PANEL? With my team, it takes us half a day. But from signing up, the rst step is just having a consultation with me or one of the sales people. If the customer
Establish an annual maintenance plan for fall/ winter and spring/summer. Contact a professional if systems are not cooling properly to diagnose problems. Do not take on do-it-yourself projects for major home appliances or systems.
COMPILED BY GRACE DICKENS
Step 1
Technicians complete work on home air conditioning, plumbing and electric systems.
Thos Graham, the general manager of Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical, o ered homeowners tips over email for nding contractors and staying cool.
COURTESY ABACUS PLUMBING, AIR CONDITIONING & ELECTRICAL
Step 2
or whenever the rst real heat wave hits, especially for an extended period of time. Usually when temperatures hit the high 80s for the rst time, homeowners start realizing there could be problems with their systems not cooling properly. WHAT SHOULD HOMEOWNERS KEEP IN MIND WHEN PURCHASING A NEW HVAC SYSTEM? Make sure you’re only dealing with a licensed expert. Make sure you understand all the options being o ered in your estimate, including who will be
CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT SERVICES YOUR COMPANY OFFERS? Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electrical o ers annual preventive maintenance plans to ensure your plumbing, [heating, ventilation and air conditioning] and electrical systems are working e ciently. WHEN DO YOU SEE THE MOST DEMAND FOR YOUR SERVICES? Abacus Plumbing’s HVAC division sees the most demand for HVAC services during the summer, but often starting late spring,
installing [it]. Is the HVAC company a preferred, authorized dealer in good standing with the equipment being o ered, which means they are up to date on all the training for that speci c equipment and have maintained all required training by that manufacturer? WHAT DO YOU WANT HOMEOWNERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR SERVICES? You should not [do it yourself] when it comes to any major appliance like your air conditioning system. It can void warranties, and more importantly, you can harm or injure yourself, including electrical shock, which could cause permanent damage or even death. So don’t take it lightly; always call a professional who has spent years learning about the latest equipment, technology, electrical components and utilizing the tools required to provide a legitimate diagnosis.
From permitting to installation, solar panels take 30 90 days.
Step 3
Consider other options for cooling down homes:
Close blinds during the day to keep sun out. Run ceiling fans at low speeds to increase air ow. Check seals around door frames and windows. Consider other options for attic insulation.
Thos Graham General manager Abacus Plumbing, Air
Devin Kuretski Owner Aura Solar 512-962-7771
Conditioning & Electrical 2105 Denton Drive, Austin 512-888-2222 www.abacusplumbing.com
Aura Solar owner Devin Kuretski said solar panels are popular because they allow people to own the electricity they use.
Aura Solar out ts homes in the Greater Austin area with solar panels.
www.pugervillesolar panelinstallation.com
SOURCE: ABACUS PLUMBING, AIR CONDITIONING & ELECTRICAL COMMUNITY IMPACT
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Che s to Savings! ®
HYMEADOW 12611 Hymeadow (512) 506-8401
NORTH 620 10601 N FM 620 (512) 506-8316
ARBORETUM 10515 North Mopac Expressway (512) 342-6893
Store selections vary. Sale ends 8/31/2023. Photos for illustration only. Not responsible for typographical errors. SPECSONLINE.COM
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