Blog, News, Article, Tips | Quality Star Services

Why Is My Furnace Filter Black?

January 16, 2020

With regular use, a furnace’s white filter will slowly turn dark. If the color darkens to black, this should raise a few concerns. An underlying problem might exist, although the issue could be easy to address. In some cases, however, the sight of a black filter represents an alarming problem. Don’t ignore the issue. Let it nudge you to act right away. Excess Dirt Buildup A filter acts somewhat like a net as it captures dirt, dust and more. If you don’t change the filter at the right time, the buildup becomes significant. As time wears on, the filter may...

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What Are the Different Types of Heating Systems?

January 8, 2020

Options for heating systems can cover a fairly wide range with the technology available today. The two basic types of heat distribution are moving heated air and radiating heat from water. They both can use the same fossil fuels for production, but there are typically five different designs or methods used for heating systems. 1. Forced Air Forced air technology is the most common type of heat system used in homes and professional spaces. It heats the air with a radiant element or fire, and then a fan pushes the warm air through ventilation ducts to the different rooms with...

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HVAC Tips for the Holidays

December 18, 2019

If you’ve got a busy holiday schedule coming up, now is the time to make a few changes to ensure your HVAC system is operating correctly. It should be able to do its job of keeping your home comfortable over the holidays. Whether you’re hosting a house full of relatives over the next few weeks, or if you’re hanging out at home alone, you’ll appreciate having your home kept to a comfortable temperature. And, of course, with all the bills that will be coming in from the holidays, you’ll appreciate getting a reasonably priced heating bill next month. Read through...

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What Causes Heating Repairs?

December 10, 2019

Your heat pump, packaged system, furnace, or other heating unit will be running fine, and then one day, something arises that signals the need for repairs. There are many common causes for heating repairs. We will let you know if these repairs can be done yourself or not. Loud Noises Heating units will make some noise when shutting on and off, but loud and continual noise is unusual. Rattling and banging can denote loose or out-of-balance fans and other internal components, while screeching can point to anything from bad motor bearings to parts that need lubrication. Any repairs that require...

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How To Optimize Your Energy Efficiency This Winter

November 18, 2019

Winter is coming, and that means turning on the heater at your San Antonio home. Although walking into a warm, cozy home at the end of a long day is enjoyable, the pricey bills that come with it are decidedly not. Luckily, the technicians at are home energy efficiency experts. We have some tips to share about how to reduce your energy consumption this winter. Stop Air Leaks Air leaks are a huge source of heat loss each winter. Not only does this force your heating system to work harder, but it also drives up your energy bills. Air leaks...

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Why Are Some Rooms Colder Than Others?

November 8, 2019

Central heating units are designed to evenly distribute heat throughout your home. The bedroom in your San Antonio home shouldn’t be colder than your living room. If you’re experiencing uneven heat distribution, it’s important to get to the root of the problem. Here are five reasons why some rooms in your home are colder than others. 1. Leaks in Ducts When you turn on your heating system, the air flows directly through the ducts. If your home’s ducts have leaks, air will be lost through the leaks. In fact, your heating system can lose as much as 30% of the...

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5 Sounds You Don’t Want to Hear From Your HVAC System

October 18, 2019

Your air conditioning system makes some quieter noises even when it’s running well, but sometimes there are sounds that indicate an immediate need for repairs or maintenance work. You’ll want to know about these because they indicate problems that can cost you big money if not dealt with quickly. 1. Buzzing Sounds The typical unit does some buzzing when first turned on or off, but loud or consistent buzzing in the outside unit could mean a number of things: Debris in the unit Loose parts or motor Dirty or clogged air filters A bad blower Leaking refrigerant 2. Banging Noises...

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Signs You’re Overworking Your AC System

October 1, 2019

During the hottest parts of the year, it’s pretty common for people in San Antonio to run their air conditioners to the brink. A modern AC system is designed to handle the difficult task of cooling your home, even in Texas. They’ll also give off some signs if they are working too hard after all. Here are five signs your air conditioner is overworked. 1. Your Energy Bill Is on the Rise An uptick in the electricity bill is an indication that the air conditioner might be drawing more power than it usually does. This can be an effect of...

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September HVAC Maintenance Tips

September 1, 2019

September marks the start of fall and when the temperatures begin to drop after summer comes to an end. For homeowners, this is the perfect time to request an HVAC maintenance to ensure that the system is in good working order. Here are a few tips to follow to avoid issues and repairs. 1. Perform a Tune-Up Hire a technician from a company like to perform a tune-up and inspect all of the parts. The professional will also clean everything to ensure that the appliance continues to operate well and has a longer lifespan. 2. Replace the Air Filter The...

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