Heating Archives - Tiger Heating & Air

November 5, 2022January 11, 2023

Home Heating & Cooling Solutions for Better Sleep

How your Home’s HVAC System Can Improve Your Sleeping

Having trouble getting a good night’s sleep? Have you tried everything and nothing seems to work? The answer to improving your sleeping routine could be with your home’s heating and cooling system!

How is that possible? Tiger Heating & Air has the team of experienced heating and cooling technicians trained in improving overall home comfort which also improves overall sleep! But this goes beyond just having a nice, cool home to sleep in. There are many ways that your home’s HVAC system can improve your sleep.

Perfect Temperature for Sleeping

Before any arguments start on what the perfect temperature is for getting the best night’s sleep is, let’s make it clear. Every person is different and what works for others may not work as well for you. But studies show that in general, the best temperature for getting a good night’s sleep is between 60 and 67 degrees.

Man sleeping bad because home too hot and humid

Stop the Sweaty Nights

Temperature isn’t the only thing that helps make sure your sleep is cool and comfortable. Your home’s humidity levels play a major role here. Humidity can make a typically comfortable temperature feel uncomfortable. Here in Corpus Christi, we know this all too well!

Too much moisture in your air can make the temperature feel warmer than it really is. That is why a home dehumidification system can be one of the most impactful ways you can improve the comfort levels in a home that already has a well-working cooling system.

You don’t just have to take our word for it. According to the CDC’s report on indoor environment, it is both temperature AND humidity levels that “affect the perception of comfort in an indoor environment.” The CDC says that overall home comfort is impacted by:

Temperature
Humidity
Air movement
Personal activities
Clothing

Dehumidification services from Tiger Heating & Air in Corpus Christi

The CDC recommends that the ideal home humidity levels should be at or below 65% and the ideal indoor temperatures are between 68.5° and 75°F in the winter and between 75° and 80.5°F in the summer. The main reason why they provide different ranges for different seasons is due to what people typically wear during these seasons.

Is that the right nighttime temperature for you? A thermostat set to 79 or 80 in the summer may be too hot for you. If you suffer from insomnia, research shows you should aim for reducing the temperature, even lower than the CDC recommendation. While these upper 70s temps may be great for many (and for energy consumption), it may be just too hot for you to sleep through well.

You will want to experiment with different temperatures to see which one you can best sleep with. And if you find a lower temperature still has you waking up sweating in the middle of the night, it really may be a humidify problem. Lower moisture in the air will make the air feel cooler in your home, even if the thermostat setting is at the same temperature.

Set Thermostat for Optimum Sleeping Temps

Programmable thermostat is a great tip for getting good sleep

Having a programmable thermostat provides a lot of benefits. Not only does help you save energy (and lower utility bills) by making sure your cooling system isn’t running too hard when no one is home to enjoy it, a programmable thermostat will help you ensure your home is prepped for the perfect sleeping temperature.

Be sure to set your thermostat to the ideal nighttime temperature settings to occur while you’re asleep. That way you won’t have to remember to change the settings every night. Because if you forget, you may wake up in the middle of the night feeling hot and uncomfortable.

Contact Tiger Heating & Air in Corpus Christi for service on your air conditioner, your thermostat or to provide home dehumidification solutions. Call us today at (361) 852-4450.

A Fan of Air Circulation

As was listed by the CDC for things that improve comfort is air movement. One of the best ways to get the air moving in your home is with a ceiling fan. But short of getting ceiling fans installed in your bedrooms, you can simply use a box fan or a standing fan to contribute to positive air movement in your home in the rooms you need it most at night.

Tips for Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

Beyond creating the perfect indoor air environment, there are other ways to help improve your sleep. Here are some tips for getting a good night’s sleep.

Don’t use electronic devices close to bedtime
Go to bed at a decent time and stick to a consistent sleep schedule
Keep your room dark
Don’t go to bed too hungry or overly full
Increase physical activity during the day
Read a good book

Let Tiger Help You Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Whether you are dealing with an air conditioning system that isn’t staying cool enough for you while you sleep, or you want to remove excess moisture from your air, call on Corpus Christi’s AC experts at Tiger Heating & Air at (361) 852-4450.

Tiger Heating & Air AC service in Corpus Christi, TX

May 30, 2022January 5, 2023

Do Air Vent Deflectors Work?

Using Vent Diverters to Control Airflow in Your Home

do air vent deflectors work? Tips for controlling air flow

Controlling the Cool Air Coming Out Your Vents

Do you have a vent that is in a bad location, constantly blowing cool air directly on your face? It can be an ongoing struggle to have a vent located in a poor place. You may have looked into solutions to this annoying airflow, such as getting air vent deflectors. But do vent deflectors really work?

Having serviced homes all across Corpus Christi for decades, our team at Tiger Heating & Air has seen how the location where vents got installed may be a problem. Maybe you moved furniture around, or you’re not the original homeowner. Several things can cause a vent to no longer be placed in an ideal location for comfort.

Addressing vent problems does not always require intense remodeling work. Tiger Heating & Air here in Corpus Christi can help homeowners find solutions to getting a comfortable home. While sometimes the answer may require a visit from our AC Repair Experts, sometimes there are simple and affordable options for homeowners to improve home comfort on their own.

What are Air Vent Deflectors?

A vent deflector is usually a molded piece of plastic that fits right over a vent. It is designed to direct your air to where you want it.

These devices are also known as vent diverters, draft diverters, vent extenders, and vent redirectors. No matter what name they are called, they are meant to do the same thing, to change the direction of air coming out of your vents.

These little devices are pretty inexpensive. You can probably pick one up for about $10 to $30. You can find them in local hardware stores, big box stores, or on Amazon.

And what’s also great is that vent deflectors are easy to install.

Types of Air Vent Diverters

Wall Vent Deflectors

Ceiling Air Vent Deflector

Floor Vent Deflector

3. Do vent deflectors work? Air vent diverter on floor

Where a Vent Deflector Can Help

Do you have any problems with how the air comes out of your vents? Have you closed any vents to help improve your home’s airflow? That’s not ideal. You need a better solution than blocking or shutting off vents.

Air vent diverters provide a better way for you to redirect the airflow.

Some places to consider adding a vent deflector:

Behind furniture
Over a vent that’s near a thermostat
In unused rooms

Covering Your Vents: Why It Is a Bad Idea

Vent deflectors are a better option than other ways to deal with annoying airflow. For example, it is not a good idea to cover your vents. Your vents are designed to work together. One vent is a part of a larger system, a system that is designed to flow air throughout your home. And when you close too many vents, you disrupt the airflow, which can cause heating and cooling problems throughout your home.

If you have furniture over your vent, you block it and perhaps impede your heating and cooling system from working properly. The easiest thing to do is move any furniture that is blocking vents. But we know that isn’t always a workable solution.

Using a vent deflector may help alleviate this problem. The deflector can redirect the hot or cool air to continue its path into your room.

2. Covering air vent with duct tape is a bad idea and can hurt energy efficiency

Do Not Close Vents

Covering up a vent with duct tape is as ridiculous as it looks. But it might surprise you that closing a vent is just about as bad an idea.

It’s common for people to believe they should close vents to conserve energy and lower monthly bills, but that’s a misconception.

When you disrupt the flow of air coming through your vents, your HVAC system has to work harder to get your house to the desired temperature. That usually causes your system to use more energy, resulting in higher utility bills.

Air Vent Deflectors Can Help

In a perfect set-up, you don’t have any air being blown somewhere inconvenient. But we know sometimes that is inevitable. So if you are left with needing to take control over air coming out one or more of your vents, air vent deflectors are a good option. Just about any other alternative will prevent proper airflow from happening, which can cause problems.

If you have problems with vents in your home or questions about improving the airflow or efficiency of your home’s heating and cooling system, just ask the HVAC experts at Tiger Heating & Cooling. Contact us online for service or call us at 361-852-4450.

We also provide professional duct cleaning services to the entire Corpus Christi area.

October 20, 2021January 3, 2023

Lessons Learned from the 2021 Texas Winter Storm

Storm Preparations to Stay Safe (and Warm) This Winter

Last winter, Texans were faced with dangerous winter conditions of record cold temperatures. From February 13 – 17, 2021, we experienced a major winter and ice storm across most of Texas, including here in Corpus Christi. As we head into another winter season, many Texans are worried about being ready for another severe winter storm.

What lessons have we learned from last winter to make sure we keep our family safe?

What should homeowners across Texas, including here in Corpus Christi, do before the next round of freezing temperatures come?

Some of the worst situations that homeowners faced in 2021 during the winter storm in Texas include: power outages, power restoration delays, frozen water pipes, and other damage to property. Some people even lost loved ones during the winter. The death toll in Texas from that storm was around 200.

pic.twitter.com/WQst7pIEYE
— Mary Torres (@eyeluvmusic98) February 15, 2021

Looking Back at the 2021 Texas Winter Storm

The power grid, operated by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, was unprepared for last winter’s harsh conditions. People across the state, including in Corpus Christi, experienced power outages. Some neighborhoods experienced power failures that lasted up to four days.

More than 4 million Texans were without power at one point during this past February’s winter storm.

With our winters being typically mild, many homeowners were caught unprepared for the extreme cold. Even with working electricity, many people across Corpus Christi simply do not have any sort of heating system in their home. While that is okay for a typical south Texas winter, homeowners need to be prepared if another extreme winter strikes.

What do Corpus Christi homeowners need to have in their homes to stay warm when the outside temperatures dip below freezing?

Power Outage Emergency Kit to prepare in advance of a Texas blizzard

Prepare a Power Outage Emergency Kit

It is best to have power outage kits ready with batteries, flashlights, candles, or even a generator. Along with having backups for light or heat, here is a list of other items you should have in an emergency kit in case of a power outage in the winter.

Ready-to-eat food: Stock up on some foods that can be eaten without the need for electricity. Gather up non-perishable items along with plenty of bottled water to include in your Power Outage Emergency Kit.

Water Supply: In addition to having water available for drinking, consider having several jugs or other large containers of water. A big weather emergency has the potential of putting our water supply at risk, so having plenty of water can help you get by until the city water supply is restored.

Box of warm clothes and blankets: Have an emergency supply of coats, sweaters, wool socks, and heavy blankets.

Phone Charging Device: Have an external phone charger fully charged so that you do not lose the ability to call for help or to reach loved ones when your phone battery dies. You may want to keep this additional charger and a car adapter in your car’s glove box so that it is always ready when you need it.

Safe candles: Losing electricity will put you in the dark. While having candles around for such an emergency can be helpful, you want to be sure that you are lighting candles safely. Keep the flame out of reach of children, pets, chemicals, and anything flammable. Using candles in containers can be a good, safe way to provide light in a dark home.

Water Heater Blankets: It is important to keep hot water flowing through pipes during extremely cold temperatures. Water heater blankets add enough insulation to your water heater tank to reduce heat loss by 25% to 45%.

A List of Emergency Numbers Ready: Put emergency numbers in your phone now. If you run into problems with your heating system not working despite having electricity, you don’t want to waste time trying to track down help. Tiger Heating & Air provides emergency 24/7 heating repair service to the Corpus Christi area. Put our phone number – 361-852-4450 – in your contacts today.

24/7 emergency heater repair from Tiger Heating & Air in Corpus Christi, Texas

Other advice to be prepared for a big winter storm:

Make sure you are paying attention to our local news sources or the national weather service to get the information you need in advance of a winter storm.
Have your home’s heating system tuned up before a cold snap comes.

Even if your home has a reliable heating system, problems can occur, even while it’s sitting dormant over the long Texas summer. Regular inspection and cleaning of home heating systems are important tasks to ensure your home is prepared when temperatures drop below freezing.

Tiger Heating & Air provides professional heating system maintenance on any type of heating system. Call us to schedule a heater tune up at 316-852-4450.

Padre Island pic.twitter.com/JoyleEtLj5
— Caffeine (@GimmeeCoffeePlz) February 15, 2021

Check in on your neighbors, especially any elderly ones. Older people are especially at risk when temperatures drop too low. If you are experiencing power outages, make sure that everyone knows where to go if they need shelter from the cold if necessary. This includes family members or friends who live nearby with power that can offer assistance.

Also, have blankets, sleeping bags, pillows nearby so people will stay comfortable until help arrives or they’re able to walk outside safely for some time before returning indoors again. All of us need to help out our neighbors in need whenever we can. You may want to find out if you have any neighbors who do not have a heat source in their homes.

Forecast for Texas Winter 2022

For the upcoming winter season of 2021-2022, the Farmer’s Almanac is predicting colder than typical temperatures. In late January or early February, Texans and other people in the Southern Great Plains should prepare for cold and snowy weather. However, there is no way to know if we will experience as extreme of winter storm conditions as we did last year. Fortunately, the prediction is that this winter will not be as bad.

As far as our power grid, we can’t be sure the disaster will not happen again. The power grid in Texas is going through a major overhaul as we speak. While some work is being done to improve Texas power reliability, some electric grid experts say it will not be enough.

pic.twitter.com/NFBlhbPdf6
— Cristina 🧜🏼‍♀️ (@StinaPablo) February 15, 2021

Preparing for This Winter

Perhaps one of the best ways to stay prepared for extreme temperatures is by ensuring that your home is ready to keep you warm through the winter.

If you do not currently have a heating system in your home, contact a local professional heating and air company about installing a heat pump or other system.

Tiger Heating & Air is the HVAC team people across Corpus Christi has been relying upon for decades. In addition to professional installation of air conditioners and cooling systems, we are trained and experienced in installing heat pumps, furnaces, and other types of heating system your home could need.

Tiger Heating & Air, professional furnace and heater repair techs in Corpus Christi

Contact us today for a free quote on getting a heating system installed in your home. Call us at 361-852-4450.

If you already have a furnace or other heating system in your home, you should get it checked out. Regular annual maintenance is key in ensuring any HVAC system works well and efficiently every time it’s needed. This is especially true if you have an older system. A furnace can last for as long as 20 years or more, but if it’s not maintained, a heating system might not even make it 10 years before breaking down and being beyond repair.

Our Tiger Heating & Air team of talented technicians are trained and experienced in repairing and servicing any type of heating system. Schedule a service visit with us today to make sure your system is tuned up and ready to handle the upcoming winter.

August 20, 2020January 3, 2023

Broken Furnace: Repair it or Replace it?

Steps to Determine Whether it’s Worth Fixing your Heater

Every winter, a lot of homeowners are faced with a big decision. Something has gone wrong with their heating system and they’re left wondering if it’s worth repairing or if this is the year to get it replaced. If this is your situation, you don’t have to be left guessing what the right answer is. There are some very simple ways to determine if your heating system should just be repaired or if you need a new system installed.

Assessing a Functionable Furnace

It does not have to take a broken furnace to be faced with this dilemma. Perhaps you’ve noticed your system is no longer operating as it once did. Does it feel your home just isn’t staying as warm this winter? Have you been wondering if your furnace is getting the job done as well as it used to?

At Tiger Heating & Air, we see this issue frequently each Corpus Christi winter. We are often called out to address issues with aging heating systems. We know how to get to the bottom of a problem and get a functioning furnace repaired and in good running order. And we know how to assess when a heating system is no longer worth repairing.

Some HVAC questions to consider:

How old is it? If you remember getting your furnace installed when your college kid was a baby, now is the time for an upgrade. A typical furnace lasts 18-20 years, but even that age is dependent upon whether they have been properly maintained over the years. And even the age of your furnace is not the only determining factor. Even a “young” furnace could need to be replaced if it’s costing you discomfort and unnecessarily high heating bills
How high are your heating bills? Have you seen your bills go higher this winter than previous years? Spending extra every month on heating bills is money you won’t see back. Putting that extra money towards a new energy-efficient furnace is an investment into saving on future energy bills.
How much is it costing you to repair? Once you are faced with repairs for your furnace, that’s the time to really address whether it should be completely replaced. How expensive does a repair on your furnace need to be before it’s not worth it?

Heating Repair Decision Flow Chart

To make it easy for you, we have this flow chart to guide you through making the right decision. We start with the age of your system as that is a very important factor. To put it simply, they didn’t make heating systems as well as they do now.

Technology in the HVAC industry means that furnaces, heaters, and other heating systems are made to put out heat by using up a lot less energy. That heater you bought 20 years ago is going to be putting a drain on your monthly energy bills. People are often quite surprised to find that after several years, the cost they save with a new energy-efficient system more than makes up for the price of getting it installed.

Not only are furnaces and heaters simply made better now, you also have more options. The type of heating system you need for your home may not be a traditional furnace. Something like a heat pump, which provides both heating and cooling, may be the best solution for your space. Tiger Heating & Air are professional installers and service technicians for handling your new or existing heat pump needs.

Infographic flow chart showing factors to determine whether you should repair or replace your furnace or heating system

Trust Tiger for Heating Service in Corpus Christi

Whether you need a repair or a replacement, you can count on the entire Tiger Heating and Air team for quality, professional service. If you are not sure which option is right for you, we will be happy to check out your system and give you the information you need to make the right decision. We promise that we will not try to sell you on a new system if your existing one can still operate well for your needs.

Schedule an appointment with Tiger Heating & Air online or call us at (361) 852-4450.

August 20, 2020January 3, 2023

A Warning Before Buying a Programmable Thermostat

1. Programmable thermostat on wall set to 68 degrees

What to Know Before Installing a New Thermostat Yourself

A new programmable thermostat can improve the comfort of your home

The great technological improvements in thermostats means you have many wonderful, modern options to make keeping your home comfortable and energy efficient. There are even programmable thermostats that you can control from your phone.

While you can have Tiger Heating & Air professionally install a new thermostat for your home, it’s very tempting to buy and install one yourself. From Amazon to big-box DIY stores to little hardware stores in and around Corpus Christi, you will find a wide array of thermostat options to help keep your heating and cooling levels and costs under your control.

When thinking about which new thermostat to buy, you may be factoring in such things as the ease of use or the cost. But there is ONE VITAL FACTOR you need to consider before anything else, and that is whether the new programmable thermostat is compatible with your existing heating and cooling system.

A new thermostat can destroy your heating and cooling system

Not all thermostats work with all HVAC systems. In fact, installing a programmable thermostat that does NOT work with your system could actually destroy it. Not only that, replacing your thermostat with a non-compatible one may void any warranties you have on your HVAC units. So that means the great deal you may have gotten on a new thermostat will end up costing you thousands of dollars in replacement or repair of your furnace and/or air conditioner.

How can you know which thermostat is right for your home?

There are some fundamental things you would need to know about your home’s HVAC system before you should even begin shopping for a new programmable thermostat. These include such things as whether your system is gas or electric and if it operates at a one-stage or two-stage speed. Because there is a real risk of destroying your home’s entire heating and cooling system by making a mistake on knowing which thermostat will work, our main piece of advice is for you to rely on an HVAC professional to tell you what system you have and what types of thermostats could be used for it.

Programmable new thermostat on wall set to 68 degrees

Bottom line: contact us. A member of our skilled team at Tiger Heating & Air would be more than happy to help you determine the information you need to know so that you can avoid making a very avoidable, yet incredibly costly, mistake. We service the entire Corpus Christi area – call (361) 852-4450.