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How to Become an HVAC Technician in Texas

It is no secret that companies hiring tradesmen are having a hard time finding applicants in today’s job market. There has been a significant decline in how many young people are seeking a career in the trades. Consequently, the demand for workers in these types of jobs is skyrocketing (which means higher pay and better benefits).

Therefore, now is a great opportunity for people graduating high school who feel that a fast-paced, hands-on work experience might be right for them. Let’s talk about how you can get on track to become an HVAC technician in Texas

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Be 18 Years of Age

First, you must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. If you’ve just graduated high school, getting started as an HVAC tech is a great way to get your foot in the door. Set your sights toward building a career while earning a decent living at the same time. 

Become an Apprentice

Next, you will need to shadow a professional.

In order to do this, you will need to register as an ACR Technician. No testing is required at this point in the process. Here at Cody & Sons, we are always looking for outgoing, energetic, problem-solvers who aren’t afraid to learn new things. After you register, don’t be afraid to start applying for entry-level positions.

Attend Training Programs

Additionally, accreditation isn’t required in Texas. However, taking accredited HVAC courses is the best way to ensure that the skills you are learning are up to State Standards. Not to mention, you will be able to learn from multiple professionals in addition to networking with others in your chosen field. There are many institutions across Texas that offer courses, whether you reside in a big city or a small community.

Complete Required Hours

After completing a 2,000-hour certification program and paying a $50 application fee, you may opt to become a Certified ACR Technician. That’s about 24 months of working under a licensed contractor’s supervision. If you’re not interested in becoming a Certified ACR Technician, then you will complete 48 months of job site experience under the supervision of a licensed contractor. After which, you can apply for your own contractor’s license.

Get Certified

Finally, it is time to get certified!

Now, you will need to determine which kind of license you will test for. There are two to choose from in Texas. 

  • A Class A HVAC license in Texas permits you to work on a heating or cooling unit of any size or energy output. It is not restricted by a system, product, or equipment of any size or capacity. 
  • Meanwhile, a Class B license allows you to work on cooling systems up to 25 tons and heating systems with up to 1.5 million BTUs/hour. 

Join The Cody & Sons HVAC Team

Texas hvac technicians from cody & sons

If you’re interested in becoming a Texas HVAC technician, please check out our Careers page. We want candidates who are interested in personal growth. We assist our employees in that growth by providing ongoing training and education in your field.

Visit here for more information on how you can become an HVAC technician in Dallas, and throughout Texas with Service Titan.

5 Easy Remodeling Ideas To Do this Summer

sink installation and bathroom renovation in dallas

The summer is the best time to get your creativity flowing and tackle those home improvement ideas you’ve been sitting on for the past few months. Last week, we talked about some remodeling mistakes to avoid that will save you time and money. Now let’s get into 5 easy remodeling ideas to do this summer. 

Decorative Curtains:

Starting off with an easy and cost-effective idea, new curtains are a great way to add color, personal style, or an aesthetic to your home. However, after seeing them every day for a while, they sort of begin to blend into the rest of your home, losing their decorative touch. 

Revamping your windows this season with new heat-blocking window treatments will not only bring an updated feel to your home but also help keep your house cool all summer. 

New Faucets: 

Another element you might not have thought of that could potentially change the entire feel of your house are new faucets. These are commonly overlooked and may have been with the home since before you moved in. Switching these out for something that better suits your style will not only elevate your kitchen and bathrooms but will also make your home feel a little bit more like yours

Don’t forget about the shower! Give your bathroom a makeover by swapping cheap shower heads with something a bit more luxurious. This also brings us back to idea #1: it’s probably time to find a new decorative shower curtain. Maybe something bright and floral for the summer?

Updated Appliances:

Appliances might be another thing in your house that have been there since before you moved in. Now is a great time to update your kitchen with more modern appliances. Whether you want to splurge on a new matching kitchen set or opt to DIY the look with some contact paper and some patience, this easy remodeling idea is sure to make a difference to the look and feel of your entire house. 

Wet Bar:

Do you have an unused spot in your house that you’re not sure what to do with? If you plan on entertaining a lot for the summer or the holidays, now is the perfect time to install a small DIY wet bar! 

This is a creative way to take a space that previously had no functionality and turn it into a spot you’ll be using pretty often, especially during parties and family-get togethers. It can be completely customized to reflect your personal style.

As we recommended in our 9 remodeling mistakes to avoid post, it is best to pick the sink first and work around that! 

Check out this post on how to create a wet bar.

Garden Accent Wall:

Another innovative way to bring new life to your home is by bringing the outdoors indoors with a garden accent wall.

Plenty of homes have little awkward nooks or crannies that the homeowner might not be sure what to do with. Whether you have this blank wall space in your bathroom, the kitchen, bedroom, or entryway, a small garden accent wall is the perfect easy remodel you can do this summer. 

Near the kitchen, you can start an herb garden that is easy to access while cooking. You could use this idea in the bathroom or entryway, maybe try some succulents that are low maintenance and colorful. If this idea sounds great for the bedroom, opt for more leafy greenery that acts as a natural air purifier and will improve the air quality of the room while you sleep. 

Disclaimer: if you have indoor animals, make sure the plants you intend to have are not harmful or dangerous to your pets! 

Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling in Dallas

If it’s time for kitchen or bathroom remodeling in Dallas, TX, then it’s time to call us at Cody & Sons Plumbing Heating & Air. We can help you with any remodeling project that involves your Dallas plumbing system. We can move pipes, install and test fixtures, and more. Before you know it, we’ll have your house one step closer to being the house of your dreams.

Check out our remodeling services and give us a call. We can help you create the house of your dreams, avoid these 9 common remodeling mistakes this summer, and maintain your home for many summers to come.

Call Us 24/7 (469) 672-5403

9 Remodeling Mistakes to Avoid This Summer

The summer season is the opportune time to get started on your remodeling dreams. After being cooped up for the winter months due to the cold, you might have come up with some ideas on how to improve the look and/or functionality of your home. Before jumping into any renovations, read over these 9 common remodeling mistakes to avoid this summer. 

Skipping Inspections

The first renovation mistake to avoid starts before you even move into the house. Don’t be afraid to get every inspection done possible before actually buying the house. Having plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, structural, and sewer inspections (just to name a few) will give you a good idea of which parts of your potential new home will need some work later on. While the cost of inspections aren’t free, you will save time and money now versus finding out renovations could cost you thousands in the future. This will help your decision on whether or not it’s wise to go through with the buy. 

Rushing to Choose Contractors

New projects are exciting! It makes sense that you want to get started as soon as possible. Who wants to spend time talking to multiple contractors when you’ll have to reject some of them eventually? However, it’s recommended to get at least three or more estimates on the work you want to be done. Don’t be afraid to ask for references either. Poor craftsmanship will not only decrease the value of your home but will also cost you to repair the work later. Contact our HVAC and plumbing contractors at Cody & Sons for a consultation and estimate!

Forgetting to Check Neighborhood Guidelines

Before starting any part of the renovation process, be sure your project will pass any Homeowner Association or historical regulation guidelines. New homeowners agree to abide by these restrictions when buying a home. Forgetting to get approval for your project may cost you as you might be asked to revert to the original house design after the process has already been started. This brings us to our next point:

Working Without a Permit

If you decide to put your handyman skills to good use this summer, be sure to always check with your county or local municipal court that you have all of the proper permits for any of the work that you plan on doing. The cost of forgetting this trip could be catastrophic. Remodels done without permits are oftentimes torn down. Also, when you go to sell the house, the price may be affected. 

Moving Walls You Shouldn’t

If your project isn’t a must-have in your home, you might want to reconsider a remodel that involves moving walls. Firstly, figure out what your walls support before having your heart set on demolition. You don’t want to find yourself halfway through and discover that wall supports a structural beam. Other issues might come from electrical, plumbing, or ductwork that might need to get relocated. Evaluate if the vision you have for your home is worth the hassle before you proceed. 

Waiting to Pick The Sink

Choosing a sink before everything else in the kitchen will save you the time and headache later on. This will help your contractor put everything in the right place and build off your sink, arguably the most important feature in your house. Some homeowners might not realize that sinks must be the right size and fit the location of the pipes to be correctly installed. Save your time (and your cabinets) by picking the sink first. 

Mismatching Pipes

Make sure your pipes match or are connected correctly with the proper fittings. When mismatching pipes are installed without the correct composition of pipes and fittings, leaks and corrosion can occur that could eventually damage your remodel. Also, to avoid low water pressure throughout your home, make sure your pipes are compatible with your fixtures. 

Neglecting Return Vents

A common mistake that leads to discomfort inside the home is neglecting to place efficient return vents in your newly renovated room(s) and HVAC system. Return vents all air inside your home to return to the system for heating or cooling to maintain the temperature in your home. Be sure to include these (and that you have enough of them) in your renovation plans. 

Having Too Many Sharp Bends

Many homes have flex ducting, which is a cheaper option than metal ductwork, but you can run into problems if it isn’t properly installed. Too many sharp bends in your ductwork will prevent cool air from reaching each room quickly and effectively. Other common problems with incorrect installations are bunching, shagging, and undersizing. 

Bonus HVAC Tip:

Tearing down walls, replacing floors, and doing any remodel work in general will dust up your air ducts and ruin the air quality of your home. Don’t forget to schedule duct cleaning after your remodel is finished!

Avoid these 9 Remodeling Mistakes this Summer with Cody & Sons

According to a 2020 US Houzz and Home study, only 36% of homeowners stayed within their remodeling budgets. 31% went over, 3% came under and 29% did not set a budget. With a customizable payment plan, you’ll be able to create the house you always wanted and stay within your budget.

If it’s time for kitchen or bathroom remodeling in Dallas, TX, then it’s time to call us at Cody & Sons Plumbing Heating & Air. We can help you with any remodeling project that involves your Dallas plumbing system. We can move pipes, install and test fixtures, and more. Before you know it, we’ll have your house one step closer to being the house of your dreams.

Check out our remodeling services and give us a call. We can help you create the house of your dreams, avoid these 9 common remodeling mistakes this summer, and maintain your home for many summers to come.

Call Us 24/7 (469) 672-5403

What To Look For When Buying a House

what to look for when buying a new home- Dallas plumbing and HVAC tips

There’s a lot to consider when buying a house for the first time. You already know you need to take into account location, nearby schools, and the number of bedrooms. But what about the house’s plumbing, heating, and cooling systems? Here is a list of what to look for when buying a house that you might not have heard of before.

Here are some things you can do and questions you can ask during your next open house to assess the overall health of the home. 

Faucets, Drains, and Toilets

  • Run all faucets in the house to check the water pressure
  • Make sure the water drains 
  • Check for leaks along the faucet and under the cabinet beneath sinks
  • Flush every toilet to make sure it drains and doesn’t run
  • Inspect the base of the toilet for any water leaks 
  • Scope the main drain with a camera to see what shape it is in
    • Some cast-iron systems under the foundation could be cracked or broken and are very expensive to repair and some home insurance will not cover it. 

Water heater

  • Find the age of the water heater by looking at the model and serial numbers found on the side of units (most should last 12-15 years)
  • Look for leaks on the valves of the water heater while in operation
  • Listen for noises in tanks when switched on
  • Check for corrosion or rust on the unit

Water Meter

  • Turn off all faucets and check the water meter. If still turning, you may have a leak.
  • Test the shut-off valve. If water drips out of faucets when shut off, it may be faulty. 

HVAC System Age

  • Check age easily by looking up the serial number 
  • Most last around 15 years, but this might differ if not properly maintained

Electrical System

  • Everything should be up to code (NO aluminum wiring of any kind)
  • The breaker box should be labeled
  • No loose wiring under the house or in the attic
  • GFCI or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters should be installed in all bathrooms, outside and in the kitchen
    • A GFCI precisely monitors the balance of electrical current moving through a circuit. If the power goes where it shouldn’t, for example, if you drop your hair dryer in the sink while you have the water on, it immediately cuts off the electricity to that plug.

Schedule Routine Maintenance with our Whole Home MVP Program

Congratulations! You found your dream house. Let us take care of it for you with our Whole Home MVP Program. Remember, properly maintained equipment:

  • Uses less energy – saving you money
  • Lasts longer – avoid voiding the manufacturer’s original warranty
  • Requires fewer repairs –saving you money
  • Works better – providing you with comfort and peace of mind

Bonus Tips From Our Team

  • Be sure to check the foundation of your home. There may sometimes be obvious signs of foundation damage that will need to be addressed. If you find that there’s a ‘transferable warranty’ be sure it covers the entirety of the foundation and not just a small portion. 
  • Ask if the house is in a floodplain which requires additional costly insurance, which might happen if you’re near a creek or park. Something like this can sometimes be the difference between buying your dream house and walking away for a better deal. 

Buying a house is an exciting (and sometimes frustrating) milestone in every person’s life. The last thing you want is to move into your new home and experience expensive Dallas plumbing or HVAC issues. Use these tips to know exactly what to look for when buying a house to get ahead of the late-summer buying season by starting early. 

Find more expert tips like these here! Or give us at Cody & Sons Plumbing Heating & Air a call today to speak with an expert!

Call Us Today (469) 672-5403