refrigeration equipment

How to Choose the Right Commercial Refrigeration Equipment for Your Business in Woodville, TX

Every year, about 30-40% of the food supply is thrown away - with 31% of that coming from retail and consumers. The right refrigeration equipment allows you to reduce food waste and save money. As a Woodville, TX business owner, you want the best equipment you can afford.

Read on to learn more about how to choose commercial refrigeration equipment for your business.

How to Choose the Right Refrigeration Equipment

The right commercial refrigeration equipment keeps your merchandise fresh for as long as possible. If you choose the wrong kind or go with a low-quality product, it can end up costing you more in the long run. 

Choosing the most economical option isn't simple. It requires asking the right questions about commercial refrigeration equipment. Here are a few features you should look into when deciding on what to buy.

Functionality

Is your stock being displayed in a storefront? If so, you want something that allows for easy access. Make sure the doors are easy to open for customers and that the temperature control is simple and easily used by employees.

Another aspect of functionality is the ease of cleaning. You want something easy to clean. Especially if you're going to be putting potentially messy items in there.

Energy Usage

One of the most important questions about refrigeration equipment relates to a unit's energy usage. The long-term energy costs of commercial refrigeration equipment vary widely. You want to make sure you don't negatively impact your profits by purchasing equipment that's expensive to run.

Look for newer energy-efficient equipment rather than buying older models.

Look Into Lifetime Maintenance

Your commercial refrigeration equipment must be kept in good condition to get the most value out of it. To keep things up and running, you should have a commercial refrigeration service perform maintenance at least once a year. 

Yearly maintenance might seem like a lot. However, broken refrigeration equipment usually leads to spoiled goods and profit loss. Routine maintenance extends the life of your equipment, and potential issues can be addressed before they become major problems.

Buy the Right Size

People are usually less likely to buy something if it doesn't look appetizing. When refrigeration equipment is over-stuffed, it looks messy and unappealing. When it's under-stuffed, it looks like you're stuck buying what other people didn't want.

Neither of those situations is likely to lead to a sale. Make sure that the size of your refrigeration unit(s) is large enough to fit your merchandise but small enough not to look sparse.

Keep Your Refrigeration Equipment Running Smooth with A1 Refrigeration & Air Conditioning

Our business started in 1968 with the sale of air conditioners and appliances. As time went on, our business grew and developed into a full-service appliance company. We strive to provide outstanding service for refrigeration equipment in Jasper, TX, and The Lakes Area with the professionalism and courtesy you deserve.

To learn more about what we can do for you, contact us today.


ac companies

4 Qualities to Look For in AC Companies in Woodville, TX

Heating and air services are a huge part of the US economy. There are well over 100,000 HVAC companies spread across the USA. 

With so many different AC companies on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your needs. There are a lot of different factors to consider. But making the wrong decision can leave you out of pocket or with malfunctioning HVAC units. 

If you're looking for ways to find the best HVAC services in Woodville, TX, and surrounding towns, stay cool. Read on for some handy tips! 

1. Choose AC Companies With Experience

Choosing an inexperienced AC company can be a fatal error. If you work with a newly-formed business, you're much more likely to get poor-quality service. 

A company with plenty of experience can rise to meet any challenge. They'll be used to fixing all kinds of issues with HVAC systems

Here at A1 Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, we're proud of our status as one of the most experienced HVAC companies in the Jasper, TX area. We opened our doors in 1968, and since then we've served thousands of people in the area. 

2. A Free Evaluation

When your HVAC units break down, you may not know exactly what the problem is. If you're an average person without much knowledge of heating and air, you're unlikely to understand the intricacies of your units.

That's why you may need a technician to come and evaluate the situation before paying for work. An HVAC professional should be able to look at your unit, assess the damage, and give you a rough idea of how much repairs will cost. 

Not only is this kind of service helpful and convenient, but it also says something about the company you're working with. When they're willing to provide a free assessment, you know they're trustworthy right off the bat. 

3. Good Pricing

Quality isn't the only thing that's important for AC services. You also need to ensure you're getting a good price for the services you require. 

We pride ourselves on our reasonable prices. We even offer financing for those who need a little extra help. 

4. Good Reputation

Any company you invite into your home or business should have a good reputation. You want to ensure you're working with a business you can trust to get the job done in a timely, professional manner. 

That's why it's so important for you to check out the reputation of any given HVAC company. Go online and check common review sites to see what people are saying about the business. The occasional bad review is bound to pop up for any company, but if you check the average, you should get a good idea of the quality of service.

We're proud to have a majority of five-star reviews on Google, as well as excellent feedback across other sites. 

Quality HVAC Service at Your Fingertips

If you're looking for quality HVAC services, A1 Refrigeration & Air Conditioning is here to help. We work in Jasper, Brookeland, Kirbyville, Woodville, Newton, and surrounding areas. Schedule a visit today and find out why we're one of the best AC companies in the state! 


common HVAC maintenance mistakes

5 Common HVAC Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid for Jasper Homeowners

Southeast Texas isn't a place you want your HVAC system to fail.

With summer temperatures routinely going into the 90-degree range, Jasper, TX is one of the hotter places in the country. Although winter is short, temperatures can also dip close to freezing levels. All of this means that you need to take care of your HVAC system.

In this post, we're going to tell you some of the more common HVAC maintenance mistakes that people make. If you're going to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, then keep reading and you'll know what not to do.

1. Not Scheduling Regular HVAC Maintenance

First, it should be noted that you need to have your HVAC system professionally maintained at least once per year. These are complicated pieces of machinery, parts of which are exposed to the elements all year long.

As a homeowner, you can't be expected to understand the intricacies of an air conditioner or furnace. Find a qualified and reputable HVAC company and schedule regular maintenance to prolong the lifespan of your residential heating and cooling system.

2. Not Changing Your AC Air Filters

Your air filters stop dirt and debris from entering your air conditioner. As debris builds up, however, the filters will become inundated and cease to work properly. Not only does this cause your AC unit to disperse dust and debris throughout your home, but it has to work harder to cool your home as well.

You're supposed to change your air filters at least once per 90 days, but make sure to keep an eye on them at all times to see if they need cleaning or changing.

3. Ignoring Strange Noises

Your AC unit will make a little noise every time it turns on. When it starts to make unfamiliar noises, you need to act fast. Likely, this means that there's some sort of mechanical issue going on.

If you ignore these noises, the problem will get worse and worse until you may need an HVAC replacement. Don't try to fix these issues yourself, either. Contact an HVAC technician to come and inspect it for you.

4. Forgetting About Ducts

Your ducts need cleaning just as much as the AC unit needs cleaning and the air filters need changing. Air ducts collect dirt and debris throughout the year and when you turn your AC on, it disperses this debris all through your home.

This isn't going to cause any major issues with your HVAC system, but it's going to affect your air quality. Clean your ducts on a regular basis and you'll avoid allergies and illnesses.

5. Using Cleaners On Coils

Your AC is located on the outside of your home, where the evaporator coils are exposed to the elements. You need to clean them on a regular basis, especially at the beginning and end of the warm season, but there's a right and wrong way to do it.

The wrong way to do it is using cleaners with acidic or alkaline substances, which can damage the coils. All you need is a stream of low-pressure water and your coils will be as good as new.

Don't Make These Common HVAC Maintenance Mistakes

Now that you understand these common HVAC maintenance mistakes, you can take the proper measures to avoid making them. The cost of HVAC maintenance skyrockets when you do it incorrectly. If you want to prolong your HVAC system, then hiring a quality HVAC company is the way to go.

A1 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning have been serving Jasper, TX since 1968, so you know you can trust us with your air conditioner. Visit our site to learn more about our services and contact us to schedule your AC maintenance today.


selecting AC repair services

5 Tips on Selecting AC Repair Services for Homeowners in Brookeland

Did you know there are over 380,000 HVAC technicians across the US?

This means you have a lot of options — perhaps too many options — when it comes to selecting AC repair services.

With another sweltering Texas summer on the horizon, you need to be sure your AC is in tip-top condition. How can you find the best AC services in Brookeland, Jasper, and the Great Lakes region?

Here are five tips that will help.

1. Read Online Customer Reviews

Customer testimonials on a company's website are a good place to start, but you need to dig deeper. After all, no company is going to share negative customer feedback on their own site!

Take your search to third-party review sites like Yelp, Angie's List, and the Better Business Bureau. Check to see if there are any unresolved complaints or other red flags about the company.

One or two negative comments isn't enough to write them off, but beware of a string of poor reviews — especially if they all cite the same problem.

2. Review AC Repair Experience

Once you've narrowed your list of providers, scan their services page to see what they offer.

For example, do they specialize in commercial repair, residential repair, or both? How many years have they been in business? Do they offer routine maintenance and checkups, or do they focus more on emergency repair work?

Remember, there are no right or wrong answers here. It's about finding the company that best suits your specific needs.

3. Start Comparing Repair Costs

Not all homeowners have a huge stash of cash in their savings accounts, and repair companies understand that. When selecting AC repair services, look for a company that offers not only competitive pricing, but also financing options.

Of course, like everything else in life, you get what you pay for. Beware of any company that advertises extremely low prices — if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

4. Consider Their Availability

AC repair services can get backed up fast, especially right before and during the summer months. If your residential AC system, starts blowing hot air in the middle of July, you want to be sure you won't have to wait long for repair.

If you suspect your AC system needs a tune-up, don't wait for the temperature to start rising. Schedule an inspection now and find out what their availability is like during the busiest seasons.

5. Double-Check Credentials

Before you make your final selection, make sure the company you're doing business with is fully licensed, bonded, and insured.

Ideally, they should be certified by industry organizations too, such as North American Technician Excellence (NATE) or the National Comfort Institute (NCI)>

Selecting AC Repair Services in Brookeland, TX

With summertime coming, the last thing you want to risk is a broken AC unit. If your AC needs a check-up before the summer months arrive, use the tips above for selecting AC repair services.

When you do, your search is sure to lead you to A1 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. We proudly service homes and businesses in Brookeland, Texas, and the surrounding Great Lakes communities.

Give us a call at (409) 207-1709 or use our online contact form to get in touch.


Appliance Repair

3 Tips for Hiring an Appliance Repair Service

Appliances power everything we use in our home. From the air conditioning and heating unit to the furnace, and everything in between, our lives simply cannot function without these everyday appliances to keep us functioning and happy in our homes. That's why if an appliance is down, you'll want to take care of it with appliance repair services as soon as possible.

With that said, the market is chocked full of professional contractors who claim to have the experience you need to fix your problems. But which one is the right choice for your needs?

No need to fret. This article will help you go through the list of pros to find the one that's perfect for your home. Keep reading to find out!

1. Make Sure to Check Their Qualifications

Most people looking for appliance services will pick the first name that pops up on their Google search, but that's usually not the best way to go. Before hastily making an appointment, you need to have a look at the qualifications of that contractor to make sure they have what it takes.

Take a look into the company's background to find out what they're capable of. Have they gone through the correct training regiment? What sort of qualifications tests have they passed? What repair services do they offer? You'll want to have answers to these questions so you have a better idea of what you're getting yourself into.

2. Make Sure They’re Insured

One of the worst things you could do is hire a company that isn't insured. Unfortunately, an alarming amount of people make this mistake.

If a contractor isn't insured and they cause damage to your property, you only have one of two options: Take them to court (which could end up costing a lot more than the job itself) or pay for the damages out of your own pocket. Neither of these options are very attractive, which is why you want to make sure your potential contractor is insured.

3. Check Their Reputation

The longer a company has been around, the more time they've had to build a good reputation. You want to make sure your potential pick has the best rep in the local sector.

The easiest way to check this is by reading reviews. Most reviews are done by those who've had that contractor's services done to their home, making them reliable sources to get the information you need.

Get the Best Appliance Repair Services for Your Home

Now you know how to select the right professional for your appliance repair needs, you shouldn't have a problem taking care of your home's appliance repairs. However, if you need services done fast and done right, few contractors can make the cut — and none of them do it like us.

At A1 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, we've given services to thousands of Texan clients and have been leaders in the industry for years. We provide heating air conditioning and heating maintenance and repairs, as well as refrigeration services and great rates on HVAC products.

Ready to get your home together? Take a look around our site to see what else we have to offer, or give us a call to schedule your appointment today. Let's get your appliances up and running again!


heater smells

Does Your Furnace Smell? Here's What It Means

Have you noticed a smell from heater usage? Sometimes, heater smells are normal. Other times, they can serve as symptoms of deeper problems within your HVAC system. These might even develop into problems that cause extensive damage to your home.

They may put you and your loved ones at risk.

So, you need to know what smells are considered normal. Below, we'll get into a few common heater smells and what they might say about your heating system. If you have any doubts, you should call a professional technician.

Keep reading to learn more!

Your Heater Gives Off a Burning Smell

If your heat smells like burning plastic, you need to pay attention to it.

Often, this comes about once you turn your heater on for the first time in a while. In the meantime, dust gathers on the heating apparatus and starts to burn. This causes a light burning smell to permeate your home.

This isn't a cause for concern. It's just a sign that your heater is kicking back into gear after a long while. The smell should dissipate soon after you start your heater.

If it persists, though, you might want to investigate it further. You might need to have your air filters cleaned or placed.

You should have your filters cleaned in a regular manner. That way, you can keep these smells at bay and help your system operate better.

Heater smells can also come from an electrical problem. This situation is much more serious. If you suspect that you might have electrical issues, turn off your unit as soon as possible. Call an HVAC professional to come to look at your furnace.

When It Smells Like Soot

If the burning stench smells more like soot, you might have a serious problem. Soot results from incomplete combustion.

It can congregate on your heat exchanger. This insulates the exchanger and lowers its efficiency, driving up your bills. Soot also has combustible properties.

That means it can catch fire.

So, you should turn off your heater immediately and call a technician if you smell soot. Don't turn it back on again until the technician has looked at it and deemed it safe.

When It Smells Like Rotten Eggs

If you're smelling rotten eggs, you might have a gas leak.

Natural gas is often odorless, so gas companies add chemicals to make it smell. Many people liken this smell to rotten eggs.

If you smell this, you should get everyone out of your home as fast as you can. Inhaling this gas for too long can have adverse health effects.

Then, call your gas company. They will send someone out to fix the problem. Do not re-enter your home until you know it's safe.

Ready to Get Rid of Heater Smells?

If your heater smells don't go away, you're going to need someone to come out and make sure everything works in the correct manner.

You need to do this as quickly as you can. If you don't, your heater might become further damaged.

If you're in need of heater repair, we can help. Our trained technicians have been serving homeowners in Brookeland, Kirbyville, Jasper, Woodville, and Newton, Texas for years and have become a trusted mainstay in these communities.

Want to learn more about what we can do for you? Contact us today to learn more!


walk-in cooler

Why Is My Walk-in Cooler Not Cooling?

Are you experiencing issues with your walk-in cooler? When you rely on it to keep your business running, signs of a broken walk-in cooler can be a cause for alarm. After all, you don't want to have to toss valuable stock.

If you notice any of the below reasons, it may be time for a walk-in cooler repair service.

Obstructed Condenser Area

Your condenser takes refrigerant from a gas state into a liquid state. Any heat the vapor absorbed gets released outside. After this, the refrigerant can return to the condenser coil.

If the area where the condenser coil is located gets blocked, it can cut off airflow. Your cooler won't be able to remove the heat and work as efficiently.

Thankfully, this is easy to check. Make sure the condenser is in a temperature-controlled, well-ventilated area.

Panel Damage and Leaks

Insulation panels inside your walk-in cooler keep the device cold and maintain the set temperature. However, these panels may become damaged, which can cause leaks.

Insulation panels also only last around ten years. Moisture and ice can deteriorate the inside of the panels, rendering them inefficient.

You can replace these panels to correct the problem.

Damaged Gaskets

A buildup of frost inside the walk-in cooler can indicate a problem with temperature control. High humidity levels can cause condensation inside the freezer.

Damaged gaskets aren't keeping warm air from getting inside and cool air from escaping. They'll need replacing as soon as possible. Even a tiny crack is a sign your equipment needs servicing.

Have a professional inspect your freezer to look for common warning signs such as seal damage and fix the issue.

Faulty Sensors

Inconsistent temperatures can cause food spoilage. If your walk-in freezer's temperature seems to fluctuate, it could be due to a faulty sensor. Broken sensors affect how well the freezer works and can regulate temperatures.

When temperatures are too high, the equipment can work harder and potentially burn out faster.

In addition to broken sensors, bad staff habits may also be to blame. Make sure the freezer doors are being closed correctly and the doors aren't being left open for too long.

Leaking Water

Old insulation and damaged gaskets can also result in leaks. Leaks are a sign that you need to have a professional come inspect your freezer to look for the cause.

Ignoring the problem not only causes your walk-in freezer to work harder, but all that moisture can lead to mold growth. Mold can pose a health risk to yourself and your employees, plus it can contaminate your products.

Walk-in Cooler Repair and Maintenance

Regular maintenance can help prevent problems with your walk-in cooler. Don't wait until your cooler breaks and you're forced to toss valuable stock. If you're in Jasper, Brookeland, Kirbyville, TX, or the surrounding areas, A-1 Refrigeration Air Conditioning is here for you.

From air conditioning to appliances, we strive to serve our customers' needs. For commercial walk-in cooler repair, schedule a service today. We serve Jasper and The Great Lakes, Texas areas.


Refrigerant

The Real Deal on Refrigerant: What Is Refrigerant Used For?

What's the deal with refrigerant, you ask? Also, where is it used and how does it work?

These questions pique everyone's curiosity at some point. It seems so impossible and contrary to nature when you don't understand how it works.

After all, everyone knows how easy it is to generate heat. You can use fire, electrical energy, friction, and even a magnifying glass under the sun.

But how in the world is refrigerant used to generate coldness? You're about to find out.

We've written you the following guide to demystify the science behind this process. Read on to learn the answers you've always wondered about.

The Science Behind Refrigeration

The process of refrigeration is not a human invention. It's based on the natural laws of our physical universe, the laws of thermodynamics, to be exact. 

What humankind has done is to discover these laws and figure out ways to harness them. Here's how the process works.

Put simply, matter gets hotter when it's compressed and colder when it expands. Since solids aren't very subject to expansion or contraction, we use liquids or gasses in refrigeration devices.

The Refrigeration Cycle

To harness the refrigeration process, we trap it in a loop. In one part of the loop, the gaseous or liquid refrigerant is compressed and gets hotter. Then, the heated refrigerant cools off a little as it transfers some of its heat to the air around it.

Next, the refrigerant is released into a wider area of the loop, where it depressurizes and gets colder. This cold part of the loop is usually shaped like a coil.

The coil cools the warmer air around it. Or, more accurately, it absorbs the heat from the air. Lastly, this heat is transported to the hot part of the loop and the process is complete.

What Is Refrigerant?

Refrigerant is the vital component that allows the modern-day process of refrigeration we just described. To be specific, though, it's merely a liquid or gaseous compound that's ideal for the process.

The refrigerants we use today are primarily hydrofluorocarbons with unremarkable names like R410A and R134. These have replaced many commonly used refrigerants of the past that are now deemed unsafe.

What Is Refrigerant Used For?

Refrigerant is used in refrigerators, freezers, and most air conditioners. For example, refrigerators use the cooling coil to make the air inside the refrigerator colder.

Centralized air conditioners use a fan to blow air through the evaporator coil. The refrigerant pulls the heat from the air and the cooled air is blown through the building.

The heat is then deposited outside. There, the refrigerant is compressed, wind-cooled, and then sent back to the evaporator coil.

 

Some air conditioners, however, do not use refrigerant. Swamp coolers, for instance, use evaporating water to cool the air.

Are You Experiencing Refrigeration Problems?

If your air conditioner or refrigerator isn't cooling as it should, you might be low on refrigerant. If so, we can help. 

Call A1 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning at 409-207-1709, so we can inspect and fix your faulty cooling device. Or, contact us here to schedule service.


5 Refrigerator Maintenance Tips to Help You Prepare for the Holidays

refrigerator maintenance

The holidays are coming, and your refrigerator is about to be put to the test.

It's an important time of year that revolves around food, and you'll want to make sure that your refrigerator is in the best working condition it can be to give you a stress-free holiday season.

If you live in Jasper and experience any serious problems with your refrigerator, then you should employ the expertise of a refrigeration service to help you out.

Here are some of our top refrigerator maintenance tips.

1. Check the Door Seals

The first things you should check are the door seals. These seals help to keep the cold air from seeping out of the refrigerator.

A loose seal will mean that the cold air is escaping, and your refrigerator will not be sleeping its contents as cool as it should be. You should clean these seals several times a year to stop food debris from building up inside them.

If your seals have gone loose, then you'll need to call in a refrigerator repair company to replace them for you.

2. Keep the Inside Clean

A clean fridge is a happy fridge.

You should regularly clean the shelves and compartments of your refrigerator to stop bacteria from building up and affecting the food inside. Be sure to clean the door and the walls of the fridge as well.

You should always try to avoid any large buildups of food, liquids, or other debris from your fridge as it can impact its performance.

3. Pay Attention to the Coils

All refrigerators come with built-in condenser coils.

Condensor coils work by flushing out the warm air from the refrigerator. They are essential to keeping the fridge at the correct temperature. If these coils get clogged with dust and dirt, they will no longer function properly.

You'll need to clean them around twice a year. You pull the fridge away from the wall, remove the protective grille, and give the coils a good brush and sweep to get rid of all the dust and dirt.

4. Set the Right Temperature

The refrigerator temperature is important.

Ensure that your fridge is set to between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and keep the freezer at zero degrees.

This will ensure that the food in the fridge stays fresher for longer without putting any intense strain on the refrigeration system.

5. Keep It Full

Refrigerators need something called thermal mass to work correctly. This basically means that the fridge will only function as it should if there's stuff in it. This is because the things in the fridge work to absorb the warm air that enters the refrigerator when you open the door.

Try to keep your refrigerator as full as possible to keep it working at its best. Even just popping a few jugs of water in there will give it the thermal mass required to perform well.

Find a Refrigerator Maintenance Service Today

If you're in the Jasper area and you're seeking more expertise on refrigerator maintenance, A1 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning have you covered.

We specialize in repairs and maintenance for air-conditioning, heating, and refrigeration systems. Got a problem that requires refrigerator repair? Contact us today to see how we can help you.


Air conditioning installed

AC Answers: How Much Does It Cost to Have Air Conditioning Installed?

Is the summer heat wearing you down? Are the fans you have placed throughout your house not doing the job?

You might be considering having air conditioning installed. But, the question is: how much will it cost you?

Read on for a complete guide on how much air conditioning installation will cost.

What Factors Do I Have To Consider To Have Air Conditioning Installed?

Air conditioning installation prices aren't a one-size-all scenario. It has many factors which you have to consider, and may lower or raise your pricing.

What Kind of Unit?

If you are looking for a window or portable unit, it may only cost you a few hundred dollars or lower. A window unit is a good option for those with small homes or apartments.

If you are looking for a central AC unit, this will be a bit pricier to cool down your entire house. The pricing for this AC unit will depend on the square footage and your desires. On average, you may end up spending anywhere from $3,000-$8,000.

Again, however, this really depends on what you are looking for.

How Would My Wants Change the Price?

If you are looking to cool down specific areas of your house, this may lower the price. If you are looking to cool down your entire house, you may require a larger model that can circulate properly.

If you are in a shaded area of town, you may require less cooling for your home. This could lower the cost of installing a model since you won't need something that works harder to cover your whole home.

If you are noise-sensitive, you may have to go with a quieter model, which could alter the price. A quieter model, however, may be worth it even if it is more expensive. This is because in the summer months you can have a cool home while also being in a quiet and relaxing environment.

What About Maintenance?

In the long run, how much will AC maintenance cost?

Luckily, we have plans that can benefit you. We offer extended warranties and plans to work out how to maintain your AC unit for many years to come. We are available whenever you need us, and will perform regular check-ups to ensure your unit is running smoothly.

Without maintenance, your AC unit may break down and be more costly to fix. Having regular check-ups will make sure that we catch problems as they arise, rather than when it's too late.

How Can I Find Out More?

If you want to know exactly how much it will cost for your home, you don't have to keep waiting. Why sizzle in the summer heat when you can choose a permanent solution? Get your air conditioning installed and enhance your quality of life.

Contact us now to find out how we can cool down your home in Jasper and the Great Lakes, TX today!