With another scorching San Antonio summer approaching, you’re probably not looking forward to seeing your electric bills escalate from using your air conditioner. We have a solution that can not only lower your power bills, but also use those sizzling rays to your advantage: a cooling system powered by solar panels.

How Solar Panels Work

Our cooling systems work with photovoltaic panels, also called PV panels, which consist of silicon and non-reflective glass. The PV panels harness and store photons from the sun’s rays and then convert these particles into electrical power. Similar to a battery, the PV panel first converts the photons into DC power, which is sent to an inverter that converts it to AC power that can be used to run an air conditioning unit, as well as other household devices.

How Solar-Powered Cooling Systems Work

Most of our residential customers choose a grid-tied PV system, which uses a combination of solar power and traditional power sources from the utility company. This system is a much less expensive option than stand-alone PV systems, which rely exclusively on solar power and are not connected to the utility grid. Grid-tied systems utilize power from the sun during the day and from the utility company at night to keep the air conditioning unit running. When the air conditioner is not running, the solar power can be redirected to other devices in the home. Any unused power that is collected during the day can actually be fed back to the utility grid, which causes your electric meter to spin backwards for an energy credit.

Benefits of a Solar-Powered Cooling System

Using solar power to fuel your air conditioning unit offers many advantages over relying solely on the traditional power grid. These benefits include:

• Cost: After the initial installation costs, powering your air conditioner with solar energy is free and using grid power only when solar energy is not available will dramatically reduce your utility bills.
• Renewability: While fossil fuels are becoming scarcer every day, the sun is an infinite source of power.
• Environmental Impact: Solar power is a clean source of energy, as opposed to oil, gas and coal, which produce carbon dioxide.
• Reliability: The sun rises every day and is very likely to continue doing so even after the entire world’s nonrenewable sources are depleted.
• Tax Incentives: Many areas offer tax credits and utility company incentives for using solar energy.

Solar Panel Installation in San Antonio

We know that our customers are looking for the most cost-effective way to make the switch to renewable energy sources. Our SunSource Home Energy System by Lennox fits the bill. This energy-saving unit runs on the traditional power grid, will save you money on your utility bill and is also solar ready. You can have our San Antonio HVAC specialists at ABC Home & Commercial Services install your PV panels at the same time we install the unit or have it done later when it better fits your budget.

Most homeowners know where to find their circuit breaker panel or box, but not everyone is aware of how important this box is in your home. All of the electricity that is supplied to your home runs through that panel. The breakers are designed to automatically shut off in dangerous situations like an electrical short or overload. But some older panels may not have the same safety features that newer models have and can even make some electrical issues worse.

Most concerning is the fact that older panels can actually be a fire hazard. If an older panel is overloaded, it may generate enough heat to start a small fire. Electrical fires are notoriously difficult to put out, and a small fire can spread rapidly. Since most breaker panels are in garages or other remote locations in the home, a fire can get out of hand before it is even detected.

Older panels also require more upkeep and maintenance. It’s vital that homeowners know the layout of the breakers, and older panels can be difficult to use and understand. Newer panels are designed to minimize shocks while being cleaner and clearer. If a circuit does trip, you don’t want to have to guess what happened or worry about safety or inconvenience. Old panels may also slowly wear out. Wires and fuses will need to be checked and replaced periodically, and this process can be a dangerous endeavor if attempted on your own. Even if you don’t plan on getting your breaker panel replaced, it’s a good idea to seek a professional electrician to check your panel for loose wiring, corrosion and missing pieces.

Breaker panels that are located in garages are also susceptible to dirt and pests. Dust and grime buildup can prevent a breaker panel from working smoothly, and some pests like mice can chew wires and cause extensive damage. If you see evidence of any pests in your home, be sure to check your breaker panel. Often, chewed panels will need to be replaced entirely. Use extreme caution when examining a panel with frayed or exposed electrical wires. The risk of an electrical  accident is very high in these situations, and crossed wires can blow fuses or cause further problems.

If you suspect that your breaker panels are dated and may need maintenance, call us at ABC for help from a San Antonio electrical professional. Our experts can determine the age of your breaker panel and help you determine if your panel just needs a little upkeep or an entire overhaul. We are also experts on local building codes. Often, building codes are updated to encourage builders and contractors to make homes safer. A breaker panel that no longer conforms to code might be unsafe or simply inefficient. Electrical systems can be confusing and unsafe, so don’t hesitate to ask for a professional opinion. When it comes to electrical safety, there’s no such thing as being too careful.

Animals and other urban wildlife are always looking for places to breed, store food and hide from predators. Unfortunately, some creatures may choose to take up residence in your attic. They use vents and other small openings to gain entry. Some of them stay inside the attic; others leave during the night to search for food.

An assortment of pests live in attics. They include various insects, rodents, birds and bats. Some raccoons and opossums also appreciate the shelter that an attic provides. Most of these creatures are nocturnal and can carry small parasites, such as fleas and ticks.

Pests often damage the attic and eventually harm other parts of the home. Rodents may chew on telephone or electrical wires. Some animals destroy insulation or air ducts. Raccoons can even tear holes through the roof. This kind of destruction may cause major water leaks or a fire.

Pests can also defecate and urinate in the attic. If a large animal like a raccoon does this, it can create strong odors and ceiling stains. Many types of pests will destroy any items that you have stored in the attic. They use the materials to make nests. Mice, for example, have been known to build them inside old radios and computers.

You may realize that there are animals in your attic when you hear noises overhead. However, some creatures usually remain silent. There are other ways to detect them. You may notice seeds or shredded insulation on the floor. If you find droppings on the wall or ceiling near a vent, bats might be living in your home.

There are also some things you should avoid. Do not poison rodents; they could die in the wall and cause odors. Never confront a raccoon or allow pets and children to get near them. Raccoons are stronger and more dangerous than they look. They are also one of the most likely animals to carry rabies in the United States, according to Texas A&M.

To prevent an infestation, put metal screens on all possible entry vents. Look for cracks and holes to patch. Don’t put materials in the attic that animals might use to build nests. Eliminate sources of food near your home, such as garbage and outdoor pet food.

When you discover one or more pests in the attic, it’s important to take action immediately before they have the opportunity to reproduce. Our specialists at ABC Home & Commercial Services will combine their extensive knowledge and experience for insect, bat or rodent removal. We can also trap larger pests like raccoons and opossums. After removing the pests from your attic, an ABC professional will also take the necessary steps to prevent another pest problem. You can trust in ABC for Austin pest control that is timely, effective and preventive.

Most homeowners are unaware of the association between plumbing and pests, but the fact is that the two are intertwined. Problems with a home’s plumbing can attract certain types of pests. Not to mention, the presence of pests in the plumbing of a home can cause some serious plumbing issues. Lowe’s notes that pests ranging from rodents to snakes can find their way into the plumbing of a building and wreak havoc.

How Do Plumbing Problems Attract Pests?

When a home has leaky plumbing, pests may move in because they detect a water source and are attracted to the area where the leak originates. Homeowners should be aware that standing water attracts pests including mosquitoes, so having a simple leak can lead to a serious pest problem in your home.

Pests that eat wood are particularly interested in moist wood because it is easier for them to chew, and they rely on moisture in the wood as a source of water. Termites could become a problem when a plumbing issue causes wood structures within a building to become damp. Termites contribute to the existing leak problem when wood is saturated from a leaky pipe.

Carpenter ants may also be attracted to leaks that saturate wood. These pests are known for burrowing through wood and forming a nest inside wood structures.

Once holes are made because pests have found weakened spots, rodents may follow and enter the home through these gaps. Homeowners should be sure to have crawlspaces checked for pests when plumbing problems are detected.

How Do Pests Cause Plumbing Problems?

Rodents in a home have been known to exasperate plumbing problems or even cause issues by gnawing on plumbing seals. Plumbing related to toilets can also be damaged when rodents find and chew through it while roaming in the crawlspaces of a building.

Rats may even block pipes when they enter a building’s plumbing through the sewer system.

Plumbing issues should be promptly addressed to discourage pests from entering a home. If you’re looking for superior service related to pest control in San Antonio, ABC Home & Commercial Services offers the expertise and experience that you need. Not only does ABC offer pest control services, but we also specialize in plumbing within San Antonio. For pest control issues that originate in the plumbing of a building, ABC is the ideal resource.

Some people think compost is only for gardens, butcompost can be beneficial for lawns as well. Beautiful landscaping should include composting to provide soil with the rich nutrients needed for healthy lawns.

Composting Benefits

• Microorganisms in compost help control plant pathogens and diseases in the soil.
• Compost attaches to contaminants in the soil to prevent plants from absorbing them and to keep them from polluting waterways.
• Composting helps prevent erosion by holding the soil and water together.
• Compost attracts earthworms along with other macro-organisms and their tunneling creates necessary space for air and water in the soil.
• Compost contains sulfur, potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen and microorganisms necessary for plant growth.

When lawn care in Oklahoma City incorporates composting, the results are gorgeous, vigorous lawns that enhance Oklahoma’s landscaping.

Create Your Own Compost

You can make compost with kitchen scraps and yard waste. If you manage your compost bin well, the compost will be ready to apply in just a few months.

• Purchase or make a compost bin, unless you want to use a spot in your back yard for a compost pile.
• Gather vegetable and fruit scraps, yard trimmings, paper products and other biodegradable materials.
• Do not compost animal products, grains or pet waste because those items attract maggots, flies, and rodents that can carry pathogens.
• Scraps will decompose more quickly if you cut them into smaller pieces.

Composting Process

1. Make a nitrogen-high, green layer with two to four inches of green plant waste and kitchen scraps in the bottom of your bin. Include helpful organisms by adding a small bucket of soil.
2. Cover your green material with a somewhat-thicker, brown layer of high-carbon matter like woody trimmings and shredded paper. Dampen the brown layer slightly, but do not soak it.
3. Keep adding alternate layers of green and brown material. Your compost should contain about twice as much brown material as the green material in it.
4. Use a shovel or rake to mix the compost frequently, and keep it damp but not soggy. Decomposition should make the compost warm and reasonably odor-free.
5. Do not add to the same pile after several months, but continue mixing and dampening the pile until it breaks down into finished compost.

If composting still seems like a daunting task, seek the help of an Oklahoma City lawn care professional at ABC Home & Commercial Services. Their services will help you maintain a healthy and beautiful landscape all year round.

If we are being honest with ourselves, many homeowners only think about the trees in their yards when they become a nuisance. The roots have grown under a concrete patio and created cracks, dead tree limbs are threatening our roof or our outdoor space, or worse yet, the limbs are touching power lines, presenting a possible fire hazard.

In actuality, the trees in our yards deserve much more attention from us, as they are the lifeblood of our yards. They absorb and trap harmful carbon dioxide in the air, preventing it from reaching the earth’s upper atmosphere. The trees’ root systems help prevent soil erosion, and best of all, trees provide much needed shade on a hot summer day.

Lack of specific knowledge when it comes to taking care of our trees can cause irreversible harm to them, leaving them susceptible to diseases and weakening them to the point where one stiff wind could cause them to topple. It is for this reason that tree care should be left to professionals.

The first five years of a tree’s life are the most important. While all tree owners should learn the ins and outs of proper tree care, important maintenance of our trees such as proper planting and pruning procedures should be left to the experts so that nothing is left to chance.

According to the experts, trees become dormant in the winter months. Knowing what branches to cut, where to cut near the trunk of the tree to avoid irreparable harm, and how to do the cutting in order to inflict the least amount of stress on your tree is very important.

When you consider the amount of money you could lose when an improperly cared for tree topples onto your roof or car, it makes sense to pay a reasonable fee to let an expert take care of clearing away dead branches and treating your tree for disease or insects.

There are many Oklahoma City lawn care and maintenance companies that provide tree care services; however, it is important to choose one that is certified through the ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) to assure your trees get the expert care they require for long and healthy lives. ABC Home and Commercial Services offers certified expert tree service for all your Oklahoma City landscaping needs.

In recent years, scorpions have been appearing more often in Oklahoma homes. While some scorpions may be limited to crawling on the floor, others are able to climb walls, drapes and clothing. Scorpions hide in a variety of places such as shoes and under piles of clothing. In addition to being painful, a scorpion’s sting is venomous and can cause serious illness. In a few cases, the sting may even cause death. To know how to eradicate these poisonous pests, Oklahoma residents must understand what attracts scorpions to homes.

Remove Accumulated Debris and Branches

Scorpions hide under leaves or any other items piled in the yard. Eliminating scorpions is a task that requires consideration of the entire property. To keep scorpions out of the house, they must first be kept out of the yard. Remove any debris, and make sure garbage is always taken to the curb promptly. People who have fireplaces should avoid stacking wood next to their houses. Wood should be brought in only as needed. If there are overgrown tree branches or shrubs, they should be trimmed. Branches should not touch the side of the home or hang over the roof.

Shut Scorpions Out

If there are any spaces between windows or doors and their frames, it is important to seal them. Use weather stripping and caulking to do this. Keep in mind that scorpions can squeeze through very small spaces, so even the smallest cracks should be sealed.

Eliminate Their Food Source

Scorpions are attracted to homes where there is food for them to eat. Since their diet consists mostly of insects, scorpions will leave if they cannot find any prey. Homeowners should also use yellow outdoor light bulbs instead of white ones. Yellow bulbs are not as attractive to insects.

While people may be able to accomplish most preventative tasks on their own, it can be necessary to contact an Oklahoma City pest control company to eliminate the bugs that scorpions eat. ABC Home & Commercial Services is one of the best and most reliable exterminators in Oklahoma City and their pest control specialists have experience in dealing with scorpion infestations.

Have you ever turned your heater on as the weather cools down and been hit with an odor that is reminiscent of dirty socks? Does turning on your air conditioning in the summer months cause a smell of mildew? You may be dealing with an HVAC issue that’s commonly referred to as Dirty Sock Syndrome.

What is Dirty Sock Syndrome?

Dirty Sock Syndrome involves bacterial growth that can be the result of improper maintenance of the HVAC system in a home. While the problem has been detected in heating and cooling system in all states, Dirty Sock Syndrome is most common in hot and humid climates. These types of climates give bacteria the best chance to rapidly grow inside a home.

While the odor associated with Dirty Sock Syndrome can be very unpleasant, health problems have not been connected with the HVAC issue.

Causes of Dirty Sock Syndrome

Dirty Sock Syndrome is caused by the growth of bacteria within the coils of both air conditioners and heating units. Homeowners may not realize there’s a problem with bacterial growth until the system is turned on when the weather changes.

The first indication that a homeowner is dealing with Dirty Sock Syndrome is a smell of mildew that is noticed when a heating or cooling unit is turned on.

Treating the Problem

An HVAC professional will start treating Dirty Sock Syndrome by applying a disinfectant to the bacterial growth. This disinfectant must be constantly in contact with the bacteria for a minimum of 10 minutes, and reapplications to ensure that the area stays wet with disinfectant will probably be necessary to properly treat the issue.

The disinfectant will be rinsed once the cleaning process in finished. Any mildew smell that was noticed while a heating or cooling system was experiencing Dirty Sock Syndrome should subside once the coils have been cleaned.

Prevention of Dirty Sock Syndrome after the problem has been treated can be done with the assistance of San Antonio heating and air conditioning specialists at ABC Home & Commercial Services. Contact ABC today to discuss San Antonio HVAC repair options and learn about how regular maintenance can prevent the need for repair in the future.

If Austin heating and air conditioning bills are taking a toll on your finances, read here for tips to lighten the burden. Fortunately, there are many options when it comes to reducing both your energy bills and your dependence on the grid for powering your home, appliances, and gadgets.

The emergence of increasingly affordable solar power and other energy alternatives offers a great deal of promise. In addition to its eco-friendly nature, solar energy provides long-term savings and other, more immediate financial payoffs. Austin solar panel installation is becoming an increasingly popular option due to its many short-term and sustainable benefits.

Beyond the obvious advantages, installing solar panels can help business people and homeowners reap financial rewards long before the panels pay for themselves. The Austin Energy rebate program offsets installation costs by up to 75%. The IRS Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit can help you recoup equipment and labor costs for solar electricity equipment and sun-powered hot water heaters through 2016. In addition to these valuable incentives and the savings you’ll achieve through reduced power bills, solar panels can boost your home’s resale value.

Even if you aren’t ready to go solar, there are plenty of steps you can take to improve the efficiency of your home’s heating and cooling systems. Call a trusted Austin heating and air conditioning contractor for an annual HVAC tune-up to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently. Whether you do it yourself or as part of a routine maintenance check, inspect your air filter monthly. Change your filter when dirty or at least every three months.

Investing in your heating and cooling systems can help you save on utility costs. A programmable thermostat lets you program temperatures in advance according to your schedule, resulting in annual savings of about $180. Replacing old or inefficient air conditioning and heating systems with Energy Star HVAC equipment can also help cut energy costs.

Whether you opt to tune up or replace your HVAC system, invest in Austin solar panel installation or combine these two strategies, reducing your heating and cooling bills is easier than you might think.

In recent years, scorpions have been appearing more often in Austin homes. While some scorpions may be limited to crawling on the floor, others are able to climb walls, drapes and clothing. Scorpions hide in a variety of places such as shoes and under piles of clothing. In addition to being painful, a scorpion’s sting is venomous and can cause serious illness. In a few cases, the sting may even cause death. To know how to eradicate these poisonous pests, Austin residents must understand what attracts scorpions to homes.

Remove Accumulated Debris and Branches

Scorpions hide under leaves or any other items piled in the yard. Eliminating scorpions is a task that requires consideration of the entire property. To keep scorpions out of the house, they must first be kept out of the yard. Remove any debris, and make sure garbage is always taken to the curb promptly. People who have fireplaces should avoid stacking wood next to their houses. Wood should be brought in only as needed. If there are overgrown tree branches or shrubs, they should be trimmed. Branches should not touch the side of the home or hang over the roof.

Shut Scorpions Out

If there are any spaces between windows or doors and their frames, it is important to seal them. Use weather stripping and caulking to do this. Keep in mind that scorpions can squeeze through very small spaces, so even the smallest cracks should be sealed.

Eliminate Their Food Source

Scorpions are attracted to homes where there is food for them to eat. Since their diet consists mostly of insects, scorpions will leave if they cannot find any prey. Homeowners should also use yellow outdoor light bulbs instead of white ones. Yellow bulbs are not as attractive to insects.

While people may be able to accomplish most preventative tasks on their own, it can be necessary to contact an Austin pest control company to eliminate the bugs that scorpions eat. ABC Home & Commercial Services is one of the best and most reliable exterminators in Austin and their pest control specialists have experience in dealing with scorpion infestations.