Open Every Day, Honest Every Time. Weekend Appointments Available!
Open Every Day, Honest Every Time. Weekend Appointments Available!
AC maintenance at 72 Degrees Texas includes a full system check to make sure your cooling equipment is ready for the Texas heat. Our technicians inspect coils, verify refrigerant levels, tighten electrical connections, test airflow, and make sure every major component is operating safely and efficiently. It’s a thorough service designed to keep your AC running reliably when your home needs it most. And if we find that your system needs more than light cleaning, we’ll walk you through it and offer a clear quote before any additional work begins.
For homeowners who want year-round protection, our Care Club includes your basic AC maintenance along with priority service and added savings, making it the easiest way to stay ahead of repairs.
AC maintenance at 72 Degrees Texas includes a full system check to make sure your cooling equipment is ready for the Texas heat. Our technicians inspect coils, verify refrigerant levels, tighten electrical connections, test airflow, and make sure every major component is operating safely and efficiently. It’s a thorough service designed to keep your AC running reliably when your home needs it most. And if we find that your system needs more than light cleaning, we’ll walk you through it and offer a clear quote before any additional work begins.
For homeowners who want year-round protection, our Care Club includes your basic AC maintenance along with priority service and added savings, making it the easiest way to stay ahead of repairs.
Heat pump pricing can vary widely because no two homes or systems are exactly alike. Several key factors have the biggest influence on overall cost.
System type plays a major role. Standard air-source heat pumps are generally more affordable than ductless systems or dual-fuel heat pump furnace setups. Each option comes with different equipment requirements, labor demands, and efficiency capabilities.
Home size and layout also matter. Larger homes typically need larger or multiple systems to maintain consistent temperatures, which increases both equipment and installation costs. Homes with open layouts, multiple stories, or older construction may require additional design considerations.
Efficiency ratings directly affect price. Heat pumps with higher SEER and HSPF ratings usually cost more upfront but can reduce long-term energy use. Lower-efficiency systems may be less expensive initially but often result in higher operating costs over time.
Existing ductwork and electrical systems are another major factor. Homes with properly sized, well-sealed ducts and adequate electrical capacity generally cost less to upgrade. If ducts are damaged, undersized, or poorly designed, replacement or modification adds to the total cost.
Replacing an existing heat pump is often more affordable than installing a brand-new system. In many replacement scenarios, the home already has compatible ductwork, refrigerant lines, and electrical connections, which helps control labor and material costs.
Replacement costs tend to increase when the existing system was improperly sized or installed. If airflow issues, comfort problems, or uneven temperatures are present, correcting those issues during replacement may raise the initial price but prevent ongoing performance problems.
New installations typically cost more because they may require new ducts, electrical upgrades, permits, or system design work. Homes transitioning from older heating systems often fall into this category.
While replacement can feel expensive, continuing to repair an aging or inefficient heat pump often leads to higher long-term costs and reliability issues.
A heat pump furnace system, also known as a dual-fuel system, combines a heat pump with a gas or propane furnace. These systems automatically switch between energy sources based on outdoor temperatures and efficiency needs.
Heat pump furnace systems usually cost more upfront due to added equipment and installation complexity. However, they can provide better performance in colder conditions while still offering energy savings during milder weather.
These systems often make sense for homeowners who want efficiency without sacrificing heating reliability during extreme temperatures. They are also useful in homes where a traditional furnace already exists and can be integrated into a hybrid setup.
Understanding whether a heat pump furnace is appropriate requires a professional assessment of climate conditions, fuel availability, and existing infrastructure.
Some heat pump costs are relatively minor and predictable. Straightforward replacements using the same system size and existing infrastructure typically fall into this category. These projects usually involve fewer surprises and shorter installation timelines.
More serious cost increases often indicate underlying issues. Common examples include deteriorating ductwork, insufficient electrical capacity, or systems that were never properly sized for the home. In these cases, the higher cost reflects necessary corrections rather than optional upgrades.
Switching from a furnace-only system to a heat pump can also increase costs, especially if electrical upgrades or duct modifications are required. While this may raise the initial investment, it often improves comfort, efficiency, and long-term reliability.
Upfront heat pump cost is only part of the overall financial picture. Energy usage, maintenance needs, and system lifespan all affect long-term value.
Efficient heat pumps typically use less energy, which can reduce monthly utility bills. Over time, these savings can offset a higher initial investment. Maintenance costs are generally predictable when systems are properly installed and serviced regularly.
System lifespan and warranty coverage also matter. A properly sized and installed heat pump can last 15 years or more, while installation shortcuts often lead to premature failure and higher repair costs.
Professional evaluation is important before replacing a working but inefficient system, especially if comfort issues already exist. Large price differences between quotes often indicate differences in system design, installation scope, or long-term performance expectations.
A professional assessment is especially important when switching system types, such as moving from a furnace to a heat pump or considering a heat pump furnace setup. These decisions affect comfort, energy use, and future maintenance costs.
Proper sizing, airflow evaluation, and electrical assessment help ensure the heat pump cost reflects real needs rather than guesswork, protecting both performance and long-term value.
Think of it as part of a smart winter routine. Does opening cabinets keep pipes from freezing on its own? It helps a lot, but it’s most effective when you pair it with steady heat, pipe insulation, and a slow drip during deep freezes. If you need a hand getting your home ready, 72 Degrees Air Conditioning, Heating, and Plumbing is here with friendly guidance and dependable service.
Frozen pipes aren’t just inconvenient. Water expands when it freezes, and that pressure can crack fittings or split a line. Even a small break can release hundreds of gallons, soaking cabinets, floors, and walls. Repairs after a freeze are stressful and expensive, and the damage can linger.
Prevention is straightforward and affordable. Opening cabinet doors, insulating exposed sections, keeping a steady indoor temperature, and letting faucets drip during hard freezes all lower your risk. Why open cabinets when cold? Because that warm room air needs a clear path to the colder spaces behind your sinks.
Under-sink areas often sit apart from a room’s heated air. Behind the doors, cold from exterior walls or crawl spaces can settle and drop temperatures around supply lines and traps. When you leave cabinet doors open, you let warm air circulate, balancing the temperature and reducing cold pockets.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Does opening cabinets keep pipes from freezing completely? Not always, but it significantly cuts the risk. Why keep cabinets open in winter? Because it’s an easy, low-cost step that supports your heating system and insulation, especially overnight.
Some areas freeze faster than others. In our region, a kitchen sink on a north-facing exterior wall, a bathroom along the outside of the house, or laundry lines near a garage can be more vulnerable.
Check these common cold zones:
Watch for slow water flow, extra-cold cabinet interiors, frost on pipes, or metallic “pinging” sounds as lines expand and contract. If you’re not sure where your pipes run, do a quick walk-through: trace visible lines, note wall orientation, look for drafts near penetrations, and feel for cold air at the back of cabinets. 72 Degrees can perform a winter readiness check and point out specific vulnerabilities before the next cold front.
Leaving cabinets open in winter is one smart move. To get the best results, combine it with a few more steps so water keeps moving and pipes stay protected when temperatures dip.
Try these proven tips:
Still wondering why open cabinets when cold? Open cabinets in cold weather make it easier for the heat you’re already paying for to reach the spots that need it most.
If you turn on a tap and the flow slows or stops, act quickly. First, open cabinets to let warm air in. Raise your thermostat a few degrees and, if safe, use a space heater in the room, away from combustibles and under supervision. Never use an open flame on pipes. If you suspect a burst—you hear water behind walls, see pooling, or notice a sudden drop in pressure—turn off the main water supply and call for help.
Our team responds promptly. We’ll locate the freeze, thaw lines safely, repair damage, and help you put preventive measures in place so you’re better prepared next time.
Why do you keep cabinets open in winter? Because it’s easy, effective, and part of a well-rounded plan. At 72 Degrees Air Conditioning, Heating, and Plumbing, we’ve helped Hill Country neighbors protect their homes through tough cold snaps since 1986. We answer questions like does opening cabinets keep pipes from freezing and why keep cabinets open in winter with clear, practical guidance — no jargon, just straightforward advice.
We offer seasonal checks, insulation upgrades, and fast support during freezes. Our licensed technicians provide honest assessments, careful workmanship, and calm, professional care. If you’re preparing ahead of a cold front or dealing with frozen lines, we’re here to help.
Have questions about leaving cabinets open in winter or how long to keep cabinet doors open during a freeze? Give 72 Degrees a call. We’ll walk you through what matters, keep it simple, and make sure your home is ready when temperatures drop.
It’s a scary thought, but it’s a real question: can a furnace leak carbon monoxide when it’s turned off?
In Fredericksburg and across the Texas Hill Country, many homes rely on gas appliances to stay comfortable year-round. When something goes wrong with a furnace, boiler, or gas water heater, carbon monoxide (CO) can become a serious risk. CO is invisible, has no smell, and can harm people quickly.
This guide breaks down carbon monoxide furnace safety, what can cause CO problems, and the signs of a carbon monoxide leak so you know when to get help.
If you think your home may have a CO issue, leave the house and call for professional help right away.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic gas created when fuel (like natural gas or propane) doesn’t burn the right way. Because you can’t see or smell it, CO can build up without warning.
Breathing in CO reduces how much oxygen gets into your bloodstream. That’s why signs of carbon monoxide poisoning can feel like the flu at first, then become much more serious.
Most CO problems happen while a furnace is running, but a furnace can still contribute to CO danger even when it’s off, especially if combustion gases can’t vent out properly or if leftover gases linger and drift where they shouldn’t.
Here are common scenarios that can lead to a CO concern:
Bottom line: if your CO alarm goes off, treat it as an emergency—whether the furnace is running or not.
A heat exchanger keeps combustion gases separated from the air your home breathes. If it cracks from age, rust, or stress, CO can mix with indoor air.
If a burner is dirty, the gas pressure is off, or the system isn’t getting the right airflow, fuel may not burn fully. That can increase CO production.
Vents and flues are supposed to carry exhaust outside. If they’re blocked by debris, damaged, or sized incorrectly, CO can back up into the home instead.
Sometimes exhaust gases get pulled back inside due to pressure issues in the home. This is especially important with older venting setups.
People often search for the signs of carbon monoxide leak after something feels “off.” Watch for these red flags:
If your CO alarm goes off: get everyone outside immediately and call emergency services first.
The signs of carbon monoxide poisoning can look like a cold or flu at first, which makes CO extra dangerous.
Common symptoms include:
Emergency warning signs can include fainting, chest pain, or loss of consciousness. If you suspect poisoning, get to fresh air and call emergency services immediately.
CO detectors are one of the simplest ways to protect your home, but placement matters.
For most homes, carbon monoxide detector installation should include:
If you’re not sure what your home needs, we can help you choose the right setup and make sure detectors are installed correctly.
Strong carbon monoxide furnace safety comes down to a few smart habits:
If you suspect CO, don’t try to troubleshoot it yourself.
If you’re in the Fredericksburg, Kerrville, or the Texas Hill Country and you’re concerned about a gas appliance, call 72 Degrees Air Conditioning, Heating, and Plumbing. We install and repair major gas appliances and can help you find the cause and fix it safely.
Plumbing isn’t just pipes and water. Many critical components depend on electricity to function.
When the power goes out, these systems may stop working:
If any of these fail during an outage, water service, sanitation, or flood protection can be lost entirely.
It depends on whether your home uses city water or a well.
Most municipal water systems rely on gravity, so water may continue flowing for a while. However:
Most Hill Country rural homes and STRs rely on wells.
For short-term rentals, this often leads to guest complaints, refunds, or canceled stays.
Hot water availability depends on your water heater type and your water source.
Sometimes, but not always.
In rural Hill Country properties, electric-assisted waste systems are common. During an outage, these systems need backup power to function safely.
Septic systems and some sewer connections rely on electric pumps to move waste away from the home.
Without power:
This is especially risky for STRs, where guests may not realize the system depends on electricity.
A plumbing inspection can identify whether your waste system is vulnerable before an outage occurs.
Yes—especially during winter outages. When power goes out, heating systems shut down. Without heat, exposed pipes can freeze and burst.
To reduce the risk:
Frozen pipe damage is one of the most expensive plumbing emergencies we see after winter storms.
Outdoor plumbing is often the first to fail during extreme weather.
Protect outdoor faucets by:
For STR owners, this should be part of your seasonal turnover checklist.
A properly sized generator can keep essential plumbing systems running during a power outage.
With backup power, you can:
72 Degrees helps homeowners and STR owners choose generator solutions that support plumbing, HVAC, and other critical systems. We’re expanding our generator services across Fredericksburg and Kerrville to meet growing demand.
In the Hill Country, power outages aren’t rare—and guests expect everything to work regardless.
Plumbing failures during a stay can lead to:
A generator and a professional plumbing evaluation are proactive steps that protect both your property and your reputation.
If you live in Fredericksburg, Kerrville, or anywhere in the Texas Hill Country, don’t wait until the lights go out to find out your plumbing won’t work.
72 Degrees Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing helps homeowners and short-term rental owners:
Whether you need preparation advice, system upgrades, or emergency service, our team is available 24/7 to help you stay ready—no matter what the weather brings.