Can a Smart Thermostat Work Without Wi-Fi?

June 6, 2024

In today’s connected world, smart thermostats are a popular choice for homeowners looking to optimize comfort and energy efficiency. These devices offer various features that rely on Wi-Fi connectivity, but what happens when your Wi-Fi is down? Can a smart thermostat still function without it? At Hammack Service Company, Inc., we get this question often, and we’re here to provide some clarity. Basic Functionality Without Wi-Fi The primary function of a thermostat is to control the temperature of your home by regulating your heating and cooling systems. Smart thermostats are no different in this regard. Even without

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How many mini-splits do I need for my home?

May 8, 2024

Are you considering mini-split systems for your home but wondering how many units are necessary to efficiently cool or heat your space? The number of mini-splits required depends on several factors, including the size of your home, layout, insulation, and your specific heating and cooling needs. Let’s explore how to determine the right number of mini-splits for your home. Calculate Your Home’s Total Square Footage The first step is to calculate the total square footage of your home. This measurement will provide a baseline for determining the cooling and heating capacity needed. For each

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Are Whole-House Humidifiers Safe For Babies?

March 7, 2024

Picture this: a cozy nursery filled with soft blankets and toys, where your little one peacefully drifts off to sleep. As parents, we want nothing but the best for our babies, including the air they breathe. That’s why many of us wonder if whole-house humidifiers are safe for our little bundles of joy. The Basics of Whole-House Humidifiers Before we dive into the safety aspect, let’s understand what whole-house humidifiers do. These devices are designed to add moisture to the air throughout your entire home, helping to combat dryness that can lead to discomfort, especially during

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Does HVAC Equipment Emit Carbon Monoxide Gas?

February 5, 2024

All fuel-combustion appliances produce carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that inhibits the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Given that people cannot see or smell it, most won’t detect its presence until serious and potentially fatal symptoms manifest. If you have a fuel-burning furnace, boiler, or water heater in your Richardson, TX home, the following is everything you need to know about CO and the potential for exposure. All Fuel-Combustion HVAC Equipment Must Be Vented Outdoors While you can easily pick up a heat pump or air conditioner at a local

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Learn the Basics of Winter Indoor Air Quality

December 13, 2023

With the arrival of winter, chills are experienced, making us seek refuge in our houses. Although this provides respite from the biting winter, we should realize that poor indoor air quality could deteriorate our health or quality of life. The following are some basics of winter indoor air quality that can help you maintain a healthy and safe environment in your home. What Are the Common Indoor Air Quality Issues? Numerous indoor air quality problems occur during winter. Examples are poor ventilation, bad humidity, and using heat appliances like fireplaces or stoves. Pollutants

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How to Get Certified as an HVAC Contractor in TX

September 18, 2023

Becoming a certified HVAC contractor in Texas opens up opportunities to work in one of today’s most essential industries. If you’re passionate about providing comfort through heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, you’re stepping into a high-demand field. Texas, known for its diverse climate, requires skilled professionals to effectively maintain and install HVAC systems. Getting certified as an HVAC contractor in Texas ensures you’re well-equipped to embark on this rewarding journey. Understanding the Licensing Requirements The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) oversees the HVAC industry and sets the criteria for obtaining a license.

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How a Ductless Mini-Split System Is Installed

June 6, 2023

Installing a ductless mini-split is a great way to get whole-house heating and cooling without major building modifications. Ductless mini-split systems are also perfect for servicing remote areas unconnected to a central HVAC system. You can use a ductless mini-split to heat or cool your attic bedroom, ventilate your garage, or turn your finished basement into a comfortable, habitable space. Read on to uncover everything you need to know about having a ductless mini-split installed. Zoning and Ductless Mini-Split Sizing Ductless mini-splits must be correctly sized for their intended service areas. Choosing an option that’s too

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4 Reasons to Avoid DIY AC Servicing

May 10, 2023

Air conditioner malfunctioning can manifest in various ways. If you suspect something is wrong with your AC, the best idea is to call a professional to assist. Many things can go wrong with DIY AC repairs compared to relying on a licensed technician. Although it sounds cost-effective and fun, it is not the best way to reduce costs and is certainly unsafe. Keep reading to discover some things that could go wrong with the DIY approach. 1. Electrical Issues ACs are appliances that require high-voltage electrical power for their operation. Even if you possess some basic

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Figuring Out How to Change Your Furnace Filter

December 20, 2022

In winter, everyone knows how important a well-functioning furnace is. But like many homeowners, you may notice that your heating system is working harder than it usually should. When it’s time to change the filter, you have to know which steps to take in the correct order. Frequency of Changing the Filter An air filter collects dust and debris, but when it’s not changed regularly, the furnace produces less clean air and needs more energy to produce the same amount of work. A furnace filter is recommended to be replaced every one to three months. Larger

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2 Functions of Plenums in Forced-Air Furnace Systems

November 20, 2022

When your home has a forced-air furnace system, the boxes between the outgoing and intake ducts are called the supply and return plenums. Along with assisting the furnace with distributing and collecting air, the plenums also serve two additional and important functions. 1. Reduce the Noise Made by Air Flowing Through the Ducts One function served by both the supply and return plenums is noise reduction. In a forced-air system, the air coming from and returning to the furnace is usually pretty loud. Without the buffering effect of the supply and return plenums, you would hear

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