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As the COVID crisis continues, many families are looking for anything they can find to help slow the spread. Shortly after the virus arrived, we told you how air purifiers could help keep the air in your home clean. We knew air purifiers like the REME HALO-LED could reduce contaminants, including viruses, but we didn’t know the exact impact on ridding the air of COVID.

TEST RESULTS

The results are in, and tests show the REME HALO-LED can inactivate COVID-19 by 99.9%! The study, as conducted by the RFG Environmental Group, tested the virus’s survival rate in the air and on surfaces when used in conjunction with the air purifier. In this post, we’ll revisit some of the features of the REME HALO-LED and how it might be right for you!

BREATHE EASY

Breathing clean air should be a given in your home. Most of the time you don’t even think about it. But airborne pollutants are commonplace in every home. Mold, pollen, pet dander, dust, and other contaminants can leave you coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. 

STATE-OF-THE-ART

The REME HALO-LED is a home air filtration system that is placed inside your air ducts. It activates whenever the HVAC unit kicks on, with either warm or cold air. The HALO-LED treats the air running through it by bi-polar ionization. The ions are then pushed into your living space, where they attack contaminants. They even cause dust particles to clump, meaning they’re more likely to get caught in your air filters. The whole process cleans your air and helps you breathe easier. 

FEATURES

• Replaceable LED cell with 2.5x longer life than traditional mercury vapor UV lamp
• Washable catalyst, to tackle tough environments like cigar bars or smoking rooms
• Reduces surface and airborne bacteria, mold, viruses, and yes – COVID-19
• Reduces odors, smoke, dust, particles, and allergens
• Mercury and ozone free

THE HIGHER STANDARD

If you’d like to learn more about the REME HALO-LED, and our other products and services, give The Darville Company a call at 432-580-9675. Darville is The Higher Standard.

These days, it seems like you can get just about everything in a high-efficiency model. But did you know that now includes toilets? In the case of windows or HVAC systems, “high-efficiency” means you save energy. But for toilets, high-efficiency means saving water. Either way, it’s saving you money!

DOWN THE DRAIN

Think about how much water your toilet uses. Every. Single. Flush. Older toilets could use more than five gallons per flush! That adds up to 30,000 gallons a year for many households. In the age of conservation, many homeowners are making the switch to high-efficiency toilets. Doing so could slash your water usage by more than half! In this post, we’ll look at how these new toilets save water, and see how they compare to toilets of the past.

HOW IT WORKS

Way back in 1995, a new law required all new toilets to use a maximum of 1.6 gallons per flush. At the time, kits were installed on existing toilets, but they were not very effective. These days, there are a variety of different methods used to reduce the amount of water used in each flush.

• Two-option flush: These toilets give you two different flush options. One if you’re flushing liquids only, and another if you’re flushing solids. This saves water by using less if you’re only flushing liquids.
• Gravity flush: Gravity-fed tanks weigh each flush based on the weight of the content in the bowl. They are generally a less expensive option.
• Pressure flush: Water in this flush is literally pushed down and out of the tank. There’s no water in the bowl until you flush (think airplane lavatories). These are very loud!

FLUSH CAPACITOR

The average toilet uses about 33 gallons of water a day. That’s down from more than 45 gallons back in the 90s. High-efficiency toilets are a reason for the decline. Not only does that save thousands of gallons of water a year, but it also saves you money!

THE HIGHER STANDARD

Besides saving water, there are other advantages to getting a new toilet. Maybe it takes more than one flush to get everything to go down, or maybe you just need your toilet at a height that makes it easier for you to sit down! Whatever the case, the Darville Company can help! Let us install your new high-efficiency toilet. Make an appointment today by calling 432-580-9675. The Darville Company is the Higher Standard.

The Fall can be a tricky season. Especially here in West Texas, temperatures vary a lot. It can be in the 90s one day, snowing a day or two later, then back in the 90s. If you’ve lived here for any length of time, you know this is not an exaggeration. But how does this affect your HVAC? Surely switching back and forth from A/C to heat is hard on your HVAC, and makes it tough to stay comfortable. However, there is a solution that can help. In this post, we’ll discuss the rise of programmable thermostats and how they can help keep you cozy, no matter the weather outside!

GET WITH THE PROGRAM

The goal is to keep you comfortable and be energy and cost-efficient at the same time. Keep these goals in mind as you explore options for thermostats.

You’re probably already familiar with a traditional thermostat. You set the desired temperature, then your unit either heats or cools until it reaches that level. This is fine most of the time, but what if you’re gone all day? You don’t want to pay to keep it warm while you’re not there, but you do want it to be nice when you arrive. 

This is where a programmable thermostat comes in. You can set it to begin heating or cooling on certain days or times, so it’s ready for you when you arrive. For example, maybe the air conditioner or heater is set to kick on about 30 minutes before you usually arrive home from work. That way you stay comfortable while keeping your bills low.

You might even set the temperature at a level slightly out of your comfort zone before you arrive home, then move it into your comfort zone when you are home. There are many options to keep you comfortable and save money.

Many current models of programmable thermostats even sync with your cell phone so you can make adjustments from wherever you are!

THE HIGHER STANDARD 

At The Darville Company, we’ve got the thermostats – and the programmable thermostats – to meet the needs of your home and family! Call us today at 432-580-9675 to make an appointment. The Darville Company is the Higher Standard!

As with anything The Darville Company does, we like to go above and beyond for our customers. Part of being the Higher Standard can mean being a little nosey (in a good way!). When you schedule a call, we’ll fix what we’re there for, but we also keep an open eye for other potential problems (like problems with your water heater). If we find something, you can be sure we’ll give you a fair evaluation and consult you about how to handle it.

WATER HEATER WOES

One of the areas we often check out is the hot water heater. It’s an area you rarely notice unless something’s wrong. And very few homeowners flush it regularly as they should. Curing a recent call on a cooling system, we decided to take a look at the water heater.  Here’s what we found!

Gross, huh? As you can see, this home had a big problem and they didn’t even realize it. The mess you see was likely a case of a water heater “bursting”. The damage was limited to the closet in this case, but bursts like this can cause water damage throughout your home.

CHECK FOR SIGNS

The photo is an extreme example, but there several warning signs that indicated something was wrong. Small rust lines down the side of the tank, rust bubbles around the bottom, or any sign of water in overflow pans are all indicators. If you’re hearing popping or gurgling sounds from your water heater – that could mean a disaster is coming!

THE HIGHER STANDARD

The damage in the photo also shows that the water heater may not have been properly installed. Professional plumbing contractors, like the ones at The Darville Company, can check for problems and install a new unit if necessary. We are proud to carry Rheem Water Heaters, and you may even want to try a new Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters! Make an appointment with us today by calling 432-580-9675. The Darville Company is the Higher Standard!

Many of our posts revolve around providing regular maintenance to your HVAC so that you don’t need to replace it. However, every home’s HVAC system will need replacing every 20 years or so. This goes for your heating and air units, which are good to replace together.

CONSIDER REPLACING BOTH

There are some distinct advantages to replacing your A/C and furnace at the same time. Here are times to consider getting it done:

• If your furnace is more than 15 years old
• When your air conditioning is more than 10 years old and has a SEER rating higher than 16
• If your current system is noisy
• When a new, efficient HVAC unit will mean lower energy bills

Having a “matching” system (A/C and furnace installed together) has some advantages in terms of efficiency, compatibility, and even price if you’re bundling them together. But if your situation doesn’t match the situation above, it may make sense to only replace one or the other. 

PICKING THE PROPER SEER RATING

The SEER rating measures an A/C’s efficiency. A high rating means your energy bill will be lower. However, a higher-rated unit will cost you more upfront. Here are a few things to consider when selecting a new A/C:

• Price: As mentioned, paying more upfront will save you money on your bills.
• Insulation: A well-insulated home is already saving you money, and can greatly boost your unit’s potential efficiency. It can also help you determine how much a new unit will save.
• Regulations: All modern A/C units have a SEER rating of at least 13.

Most experts recommend a SEER rating of between 15 and 18, but you can consult The Darville Company for expert advice.

THE HIGHER STANDARD

Ultimately, the choice to replace your heating and cooling is up to you. The Darville Company services all types of HVAC units and can handle many other householdneeds. Fall is a great time to take advantage of our Fall Clean & Check, where we give your entire system a tune-up and even provide a free air filter. Make an appointment today by calling 432-580-9675. The Darville Company is the Higher Standard.

The Darville Company is currently offering our Fall Clean & Test!  It’s recommended that filters be changed on a monthly basis, but we suggest that your heating and cooling system be professionally serviced and inspected twice a year just before the change of seasons when the weather is more temperate and you are preparing to make the switch from air conditioning to heating or vice versa. In this post, we’ll tell you why this maintenance is a good idea.

WHAT WE DO

Our Fall Clean and Test provides several services for your heating system.  Some of these tasks you could do on your own, but others are better suited for a pro; so let us do the work for you. The Clean & Test includes:

• Check, clean, and/or replace all filters (we provide one free 1” pleated filter in the myriad of standard sizes with the service)
• Check and thoroughly clean out the blower wheel, including the housing
• Inspect electrical connections
• Check and clean out the combustion air chamber
• Check heat exchanger
• Clean pilot assembly
• Check condensate drain on condensing furnaces, clear and clean if needed
  • A clogged drain pipe can cause significant water damage to your home if left unchecked.
• Check and lubricate motors
• Check all safety controls 
  • This is especially important as we switch from air conditioner to heat!
• Check the power supply to the system
• Inspect and calibrate the thermostat
• Check the outdoor fan motor on Heat Pumps.
  • It’s critical that the fan be maintained to avoid spending hundreds of dollars for a replacement.
• Check the belts and adjust or replace if necessary
• Clean and adjust burners
• Check heat and fan relays and capacitors.
• Check temperature differential
  • This ensures your system is operating properly.
• Provide maintenance supplies

THE HIGHER STANDARD

The Fall Clean & Test will get you ready for the winter, provide valuable maintenance for your unit, and, most of all, give you peace of mind that your home will be comfortable when that cold snap happens. Make an appointment today by calling the Darville Company at 432-580-9675. We provide The Higher Standard of Excellence in all that we do from how we answer the phone to the final White-Glove clean-up.

It seems simple but we just can’t seem to say it enough: changing your air filters is absolutely critical for your household. It keeps your air cleaner and saves you money at the same time. In this post, we’ll dive into some of the details of why it’s so important.

HOW IT WORKS

The primary purpose of your HVAC system is to remove dirty air from your home and replace it with clean air (at your preferred temperature). Air filters operate at the point that the old air is pulled from the living space in your home. The filter is a selectively permeable membrane (one of our favorite terms from high school science). That means that some things get through and others don’t. The clean air gets through the filter, is treated, and is recycled through the system. 

What doesn’t (or shouldn’t) get through the filter is the bad stuff. That means particles, bacteria, dust, pet dander, etc. The things that dirty the air and can negatively impact your health.

OLD FILTERS

Take a look at the filter on the left in our featured image. Doesn’t look very healthy, does it? This is an actual photo of a filter that Darville technicians removed from a heating and cooling system last month. As you can see, the old filter looks disgusting.

As your filter ages, all those old particles start to clog up. The clogged filter restricts airflow and keeps the bad air in your home. It also makes your HVAC unit work harder to not only pump air but also maintain a comfortable temperature in your home.

BENEFITS

Replacing filters every month is a win-win. It keeps you healthier by keeping your air clean, and also keeps your wallet fuller by reducing the stress on your HVAC unit.

THE HIGHER STANDARD

It’s a good time to get that heating system cleaned and checked before cooler weather starts setting in. The Darville Company offers a variety of services, including our classic Clean and Test to make sure your Heating and Cooling unit stays running strong through the chilly days ahead. If you find a filter that needs replacement, we’ll take care of it. Call us to make an appointment at 432-580-9675. The Darville Company is The Higher Standard.

It’s been a hot, hot summer here in the Permian Basin – and it’s not close to being over. We’ve got plenty of sun and heat left before we start feeling the fall. Hopefully, your air conditioning has been running well. If it has, or even if it’s been a little suspect, it’s always a good time to have it checked out to make sure your home stays cool! In this post, we’ll take a look at a couple of maintenance tips to keep your A/C running smoothly all summer long.

CLEAN AND TEST

The Darville Company offers a simple Clean and Test. If you didn’t get yours at the start of summer – don’t fret, we’ll be here. These are a great option to get a routine check, which we recommend at least once a year for your entire HVAC unit. Click the link above for a full list of what we do on every call.

DIY MAINTENANCE

There are a few things you can do to help make sure your HVAC unit is running efficiently. Go outside to check your exterior A/C unit. Make sure leaves or other debris haven’t accumulated around or on top of it. This can prevent the system from getting the full air power it needs to cool your home. You can also check the drain pan located underneath your attic unit. This catches condensation from your unit. It should be dry since water should be exiting your attic through a drain pipe. If there’s a problem, we’ll be sure to catch it!

MAINTENANCE IS KEY

As mentioned, it’s a good idea to get your HVAC checked at least once a year. Ideally, you would check it twice a year – right before the summer heat, and right before the winter cold. This will help make sure you stay comfortable and ensure that your HVAC unit will run efficiently for years to come. Most units should last from 12-15 years, but regular maintenance will help them last longer.

THE HIGHER STANDARD

If your HVAC is in need of a summer tune-up, give us a call today. You can make an appointment by calling 432-580-9675. The Darville Company is the Higher Standard.

Any realtor will tell you that plumbing is probably the most important part of the infrastructure of the home. That’s why prospective buyers are sure to ask about it, and home inspectors are sure to check it. In this post, we’ll discuss a few things you can do to your plumbing to increase the value of your home. Not only will they make your home more functional, but it’s also a chance to update the look and decor of your home, raising its value even more!

WATER FILTRATION

These days, a home filtration system is a huge bonus for home sellers. We don’t just mean a water filter on your fridge, we mean a whole home water solution. This means either a reverse osmosis (R.O.) system, a water softener, or both! Here in West Texas, where our water is extra hard, having both is a great idea. It will make your water cleaner at every faucet in your house. Compared to an expensive remodel, this could be a very practical upgrade that will make an immediate impact!

BATHROOM UPDATES

Here’s the thing about bathroom remodels – more isn’t necessarily better. Even a minor update could make a big difference when it comes to a home’s sale price. This could be as simple as new showerheads or faucets! They just make the whole room seem refreshed and newer. Replacing an aging vanity can be a good idea, too.

KITCHEN UPDATES

What we just said about bathrooms is also true in the kitchen. Minor updates go a long way. Swap out the sink for something new. It’ll help your home sell faster – and for more money.

FIX THE PROBLEMS

If you know of any nagging plumbing issues – get them fixed. Don’t hope the buyer or realtor, or the inspector won’t find them. They will, and they will want those things fixed, so save yourself the headache and get it done now. Minor fixes to a running toilet or leaky faucet will put your home in good working order and have it ready to sell!

SOMETHING SPECIAL

Little plumbing add-ons are a good idea too. Do you have space for a utility sink? How about an exterior sink in the backyard? Things like that seem like a luxury, and they are. But the relative cost will help you make the sale!

THE HIGHER STANDARD

Whether you’re selling your home, or just want to upgrade for your own enjoyment, The Darville Company has experts that can help you. Make an appointment today by calling 432-580-9675. The Darville Company is the Higher Standard.

We’re in the middle of a long hot summer, so hot water might not be the first thing on your mind. But step into a cold shower, and you’ll quickly remember that hot water is a year-round necessity! Water heaters run great – until they don’t. That’s normally the only time most homeowners even think about them. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the warning signs your hot water heater could show if it needs repairs – or replacement!

OLD TIMER

A water heater is one of those appliances that have a certain shelf life. If you don’t know how old yours is, check the serial number on the tank itself. It should be one letter, followed by several numbers. The letter corresponds with a month, so B would mean February, C would be March, etc.. The first two numbers represent the year, so 04 would be 2004, 14 would be 2014, and so on. If it’s still not clear how old the unit is, you can check the manual for further explanation. Bottom line: if it’s more than 10 years old, it could be time for a replacement.

RUSTY

Nobody likes the sign of rust on anything, but that’s especially true for your plumbing system. If you start noticing rust or a rust color in your water, that likely means there’s rust inside the tank. That will eventually corrode until there is a leak in the tank.

TOO NOISY

If you hear rumbling or banging in your pipes, there’s a good chance that it’s coming from your hot water heater. This can happen from hard water (common in West Texas) solidifying and the sediment hardening. Trace minerals in your water are fine, but when they harden you will see (and hear) that something is wrong.

THE HIGHER STANDARD 

If you think it could be time for a new water heater, give The Darville Company a call! We are certified dealers of Rheem Water Heaters. You may also want to upgrade to one of our Rinnai Tankless Water Heater units! For a consultation, call us at 432-580-9675. The Darville Company is the Higher Standard!