Buying a New Air Conditioner With Better Energy Efficiency in Austin

When you make the decision to buy a new air conditioner for your home, you should consider all the factors involved in the process. A new air conditioner with a higher energy efficiency rating will help in cutting down on utility bills; along with it, regular AC tune-ups in Austin will keep your system in great condition throughout the year. Upgrading to a new and efficient system is a great decision; experts recommend buying an air conditioner with a SEER of 13 and above. Many things can go wrong while buying and installing a new air conditioner. Picking the right size of an air conditioner is very important; most homeowners have over-sized air conditioners. When this happens, the owner of the home has very high energy bills, and the same goes for units that are too small. You will need to have your home and cooling needs properly assessed by a professional before making a final buying decision. The cooling capacity is measured in BTU; one ton of cooling is equal to 12,000 BTU of cooling capacity.
 

An over-sized air conditioner uses more energy, making you pay higher bills; it does not remove humidity from the air, and makes a lot of noise when turned on. Hire an experienced contractor in Austin for calculating the cooling needs of the home. He or she should take measurements of each room and measure the level of insulation in the attic and walls. The guidelines set by the Air Conditioner Contractors of America assist in calculating the amount of cooling a home needs. Another consideration is the number of residents in a home.
 

These latest air conditioners are quiet, stylish and easy to maintain. The more you know about air conditioners, the easier it will be to make an informed buying decision. These newer systems help control humidity, and maintain an even temperature in your home; you can decide the brand of the air conditioner by contacting an expert HVAC company in your area. After you have purchased and installed a new air conditioner, do not forget to maintain it properly, seasonal AC maintenance is very important for the cooling capacity and efficiency of the AC.

What to Know Before Shopping for an AC Replacement in Austin

Shopping for a new air conditioner is an important task, and there are many factors affecting this kind of decision. It requires research and basic knowledge of the central air conditioning system. Installation of an air conditioner plays a key role in the comfort levels of your house; contact a licensed and expert HVAC company in Austin for proper AC installation. New air conditioners are up to 40% more efficient and reliable than systems that are a decade old.  Central air conditioners provide efficient cooling by removing heat from the warm air inside the house, and cooling the air before it returns to the living spaces. Sizing and installation is very important for an air conditioner and its cooling power. The cooling is affected when the size of the air conditioner is not right.

Consult an experienced HVAC company in Austin for sizing information and installation of the air conditioner. The seasonal energy efficiency ratio or SEER of a central air conditioner should be above 13, and it goes up to 20 and 21. The SEER rating is very important when deciding to buy a new air conditioner - the higher the number, the better. An air conditioner with a higher SEER is more efficient and it consumes less electricity. To leverage the efficiency of the central air conditioner, choose the best HVAC contractor for sizing and installation. Ductwork installation is also very important; a balanced air supply in all corners of the house requires a proper duct system. Annual servicing increases the lifespan of your air conditioner, as well.

The latest central air conditioners come with many exceptional energy saving features, one of such features is variable speed air handlers. Conventional air conditioners only run at one speed, air conditioners with variable speed handlers run at two different speeds, according to a homeowner's cooling needs. Most of the time during the day, the air handlers run at low speed, thus conserving energy, the air handlers switch to a higher speed, when needed. Zone control is another interesting feature in the latest central air conditioner models. Zone control enables you to turn off air conditioning in the areas that are not occupied, thus conserving more energy. If you have a decade old air conditioning system, it is likely to have an energy efficiency rating of 9 or below. If you have to get it repaired every season just to keep it up and running, it is a wise idea to upgrade to a latest and more energy efficient system.

Things to Consider When Replacing an Old AC Unit With a Newer One in Austin

A replacement air conditioner is a big investment, and selecting the right AC unit or central air conditioning system involves a lot of consideration. An HVAC company in Austin will help you decide what air conditioning system is best for your home. First, we need to analyze when the right time is to replace an air conditioner. If you are tired of continually getting your air conditioner repaired; it is an old unit; you want to cut down on energy bills, and you have noticed that the AC is working excessively hard and still not making your house comfortable, all these factors would add up and make you consider AC replacement.
 

The air conditioner in your home should be the right size; meaning the AC shouldn’t be too large or small for your home. The right size of the AC unit will depend on the size of the house. These measurements would require a professional HVAC technician,. The technician will measure the square footage of the room to determine what size cooling system will work best and be the most energy efficient.
 

Most homeowners do not know what a BTU is and how to calculate it. To put it in simple words, the more BTUs an AC has, the better the cooling power. Therefore, the BTU of your air conditioner depends on the square footage of your room. The other important thing to consider is replacing your old AC unit with a new one, if it is older than 10 years, replacing it would help you save money on energy bills since they are much more efficient than older models.
 

Making the Right Choice Between AC Repair and Replacement in Austin

When faced with the decision to repair or replace your current cooling system, do you find it difficult to decide which one to choose? Many homeowners wonder if they should take the plunge and invest in a newer system or repair the old one and hope it lasts a few more years. Here are a few questions to ask yourself that will help you decide between AC repair and replacement in Austin.
 

Quick Quiz
 

Is your system 10 or more years old? The average cooling system is designed to last about 15 years, so one that is 10 years old or more is already past its prime and repairing it would probably just be a waste of money.
 

Has it needed multiple repairs? Numerous repairs are a sign that it is time to replace your current system. If you add up the total of all the repair bills you’ve paid you probably could have bought a new system for the same price. Repairing a system over and over can run into a lot of money spent and may not be cost-effective in the long-term.
 

Do you have problems with mold? Maybe you haven’t thought about it but one of the jobs your air conditioner does it to remove humidity from the air. If you are having issues with mold then it is not doing its job very well. Mold growth is caused by a damp environment which is a perfect breeding ground for germs and bacteria. This is a health concern for young children and older people, especially those with asthma or other breathing problems.
 

Are some rooms cooler than others? If you have some rooms that are warmer than others, look for a logical reason for it. If there is none, your system is working but not to the best of its ability to maintain a consistent temperature.
 

Will this be your family home for more than 5 years? If you plan to stay in this home for 5 years or more you will benefit more from replacing your current system. The money you save on utility expenses by upgrading to a more efficient system will help defray some of the cost of replacement. You also may be able to take advantage of government rebates on qualifying appliances.
 

If you are experiencing any of these problems listed above it is recommended that you replace your current system with a newer, energy-efficient cooling system.
 

If your system is only a few years old, works pretty well but has problems and has not needed any major repairs in the last few years then it is more economical to consider AC repair instead of replacement at this time. Although the newer systems out-perform older ones in every way, it may not be the most cost-effective solution for everyone.
 

For additional information on AC repair and replacement, contact ABA Heating and Cooling. Our NATE-certified technicians can evaluate your current system and explain what options are available.

Benefits of Choosing a Ducted Air Conditioning System

Whether you are a first-time homeowner or a veteran, you should know that your home is the single largest investment you will make in your lifetime and it pays to have the best equipment to avoid frequent repairs and replacement costs.  When it comes to air conditioning systems, you have two choices of installation: ducted and ductless. Here we will look at the benefits of choosing a ducted system for your home.
 

The System
 

The system consists of a compressor unit that can be installed on the roof or on a concrete slab in your backyard and a condenser and blower that is installed indoors. The fan blows the cooled air through a series of ducts that are connected to each room in your house.
Consistency and Savings
 

When discussing heating and cooling systems, the topic of saving money is always a main consideration. A balanced cooling system saves money because the cooled air is evenly distributed avoiding the problem of rooms that are too hot or too cold.
 

The system cycles on an off automatically to a set temperature determined by the homeowner, which allows the temperature to remain consistently comfortable. Window units and portable air conditioners only cool small spaces and cannot cool the entire house as well as a central air conditioning system can.
 

Reduced Noise
 

Central air conditioners tend to be relatively quiet and take up little room inside your home. The ducts can be installed in a ceiling where it can be concealed or in the basement depending on the size of the space needed to cool.
 

Cleaner Air
 

The air in a ducted system is cleaner because it is filtered and germ-free. You can purchase a variety of high-efficiency filters that trap and remove the smallest particles, down to 0.3 microns in size. Filtered air is better for people who suffer from breathing problems such as asthma and C.O.P.D.
 

Energy-Efficient
 

The newer, energy-efficient systems use 30 to 50% less energy than their older predecessors and some may qualify for tax rebates as well as some city utility rebates for installing energy-saving appliances. The savings come from regulated usage of energy-efficient appliances and rebates from the government.
 

Benefits of ducted air conditioning:
•    Operates quietly
•    Uses less energy
•    More cost-effective than other systems
•    Evenly distributes cooled air
•    May qualify for energy rebate
 

So the benefits of a ducted air conditioning system are reduced noise, energy-efficient and more even distribution of cooled air. Contact ABA Heating and Cooling for more information on ducted air conditioning systems or to schedule AC repair in Austin, or to learn about replacement. We carry all major brands and our technicians are NATE-certified and knowledgeable on all aspects of heating and cooling.

6 Tips for Managing Your Home Cooling Costs

Air conditioners run all summer long in Austin homes. Because our cooling systems are in constant use, it is typical to see large utility bills during the hottest months. Even if you have an older system, it is possible to lower your energy costs without sacrificing your family’s comfort. Here are a few tips to help you manage your cooling costs more efficiently.
 

1.    Seal drafts and air leaks. Air leaks let cooled air out through small cracks and gaps under doors and around window frames. Sealing these leaks with silicone or latex caulk will keep the air inside where it belongs and keep your air conditioner from working overtime trying to keep things cool. When your system cycles too frequently it uses more energy and puts more stress on the working parts causing them to wear out sooner.
 

2.    Change your air filters regularly. Inexpensive air filters should be changed monthly with higher-efficiency filters changed every three months. An electrostatic filter is an economical choice because it can be hosed off and reused because it is made out of charged metal so it attracts dust and other particles.
 

3.    Get a system tune-up. A system that is working properly will also use less energy than one that isn’t. Keep to a regular maintenance schedule to keep things running smooth. You should also have a pre-season check every year prior to the beginning of the cooling season.
 

4.    Keep windows and doors tightly closed. You probably have no idea how many times a day the doors are opened and closed on a daily basis. Young children often leave doors open or don’t close them all the way and that can let precious cooled air leak out.
 

5.    Do laundry or wash dishes in the evening when it is cooler. Most utility companies’ rates are cheaper in the evenings after 7pm. The rates per kilowatt hour are lower because these are considered off-peak hours or low-usage hours. To maximize savings, do your laundry or run the dishwasher later in the evening when rates drop.  It also puts less moisture in the air for your air conditioner to remove which means less cycling on and off.
 

6.    Set your thermostat at 78 degrees and raise it one or two degrees when you go to bed. You can raise it as much as 5 degrees if you use a fan while you sleep. Fans do not really cool the air they just remove the heat that surrounds your body making you feel cooler.

All of these tips will help you lower energy consumption and manage your cooling costs. If your cooling system isn’t running as efficiently as it should, contact us at ABA Heating and Cooling. We can evaluate your current system and recommend a solution to your inefficient cooling problem.

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Improving the Efficiency of Your Central Air Conditioner in Austin

Summer utility bills can be lowered by making your air conditioner operate more efficiently. Many people do things that make their system work harder like leaving windows or doors open, use dishwashers on “heated dry” settings or use their ovens that let extra heat in that has to be removed and conditioned by your cooling system. Here are some tips for making your air conditioner operate more efficiently:
 

Block Heat Transfer
 

Heat transference occurs when the sun hits your windows during the hottest part of the day.  It can heat up a room in no time making your air conditioner work harder to cool the space. It is best to cover windows with a heavy curtain, window shades or other material to block or deflect the heat rays. Mirrored or tinted window film also blocks a lot of the heat and UV rays from sun-facing windows.
 

Change Air Filters Monthly
 

In the summer, it is best to change air filters monthly due to continuous system use.  Austin summers are hot and that means that the filters are going to get pretty dirty collecting dust, pet hair, smoke, mold and allergens from getting in your ventilation system. Air filters keep particles from clogging up the moving parts of your air conditioner or furnace but when dirty, it can restrict air flow through the system and put stress on the motor and ductwork.
 

Use Programmed Settings
 

Use programmed settings even on days that everyone is home. Most people will set their thermostats to run at a lower temperature while they are away but then override it temporarily because they came home early. If you keep the settings as they are you will save more money because your air conditioner will be running efficiently for longer periods and your body will get used to a slightly higher temperature.
 

Make Use of Existing Fans
 

Using fans in combination with your air conditioner allows you to raise the temperature a few degrees without sacrificing comfort. Fans do not cool the air in the room, they cool the pocket of air around your body making you feel cooler. If you sleep better when it’s cool, turn on your fan and raise the setting on your air conditioner. The fan will cool you by blowing cool air around you and you won’t even notice the temperature difference. You will, however, notice the savings on your monthly utility bills.
 

Replace Your Old System
 

AC replacement is recommended if your cooling system is more than 12 years old or you have had numerous repairs in the past year. Energy Star models are more energy-efficient and government rebates can help defray some of the costs of new installation.
 

ABA Heating and Cooling are experts in AC repair and replacement. Call us for all of your heating and cooling needs. Out technicians are NATE-certified and we have been serving the residents of Austin for many years.

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Benefits of Choosing Central Air Conditioning Systems in Austin Over Room Air Conditioners

When it comes to choosing an air conditioner for your new Austin home, picking one may seem very confusing for a new homeowner. There are many factors that are considered when choosing between a room air conditioner that installs in an empty window and a central air conditioner that needs ductwork. Which one to choose? Well, here are some facts to help you choose the right air conditioner for your home.
 

Benefits of Central Air Conditioning
 

There are some good benefits to owning a central air conditioning system.  One very big benefit comes from the savings you get on your utility bills by being able to operate your system with a programmable thermostat. You can determine the temperature your home will be while you are there and when you’re away. 
 

Even though a central air conditioner is larger and runs continuously it still uses less energy than older models of air conditioners. New energy-saving models use 30 to 50% less energy than older models and energy-saving practices help you save a considerable amount of money on your cooling bills. If you raise the temperature at night and use a fan you will reduce your energy usage and lower your cooling costs as well. Here are a few benefits of a central air conditioner.

•    Operates on designated settings
•    Uses less energy than room air conditioners
•    Less noise
•    Does not obstruct the view of windows
•    Takes up little space
 

Disadvantages of Room Units:
 

The problems associated with room air conditioners are that you cannot set to desired temperatures, many have just three settings “high, low and off.” 
 

Condensation leaks are also common with window units as well as frequent icing over of the evaporative coils after running for a long time. 
 

Another drawback is that it really only cools a small area at a time. It would be enough to cool a small studio or one-bedroom apartment, but anything larger would benefit more from a central air conditioner. It would just be a waste of money and energy to try and cool the whole house with a room air conditioner.
 

Choosing an Air Conditioner
 

So now that you have a little information on both systems, it should be a little easier to decide which one is right for you. Remember that size is important; if you have a large house you will need a larger cooling system to accommodate it. If you have a small basement and not enough space for ductwork don’t worry, a ductless split system will work just fine in your situation. The government also offers incentives for homeowners to upgrade to energy-efficient systems by giving rebates to qualifying Energy Star appliances that help to defray some of the cost.
 

Contact your AC contractor in Austin to discuss installing central air conditioning in your new home. The NATE-certified technicians at ABA Heating and Cooling can evaluate your home and its cooling needs and make a recommendation on a new system that fits your needs as well as your budget.

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AC Replacement in Austin - Upgrading to a New Central Air Conditioning System

Air conditioning is a necessity for hot summers in Austin, if your current cooling system isn’t do that great of a job of keeping your home cool and comfortable it may be time for AC replacement or upgrading to a completely new system. Here are a few things to think about when considering an upgrade and some reasons why it is a good investment.
 

Reasons to Upgrade
 

A central air conditioning system is meant to last for about 20 years, after that things can start to degrade making it necessary for frequent repairs and eventually, replacement. Although your current system may be in good working order, it may not be operating as efficiently as it should which may be why your utility bills are higher than they have been in the past.
 

Higher energy usage is a sign that your system is not operating at its full potential. If your system is not that old but you are wondering about upgrading, contact your AC contractor in Austin and have them evaluate your system and make a recommendation for upgrading.
 

Get the Right Size
 

One aspect of choosing a new central air conditioner is making sure to get the right size to efficiently cool your home. If you are upgrading from a room air conditioner it will also depend on how much available space you have for ductwork. Your AC repair contractor in Austin can advise you on the size requirements for the size of your home and even install it for you.
 

Look for Energy Star Ratings
 

If you have not purchased new appliances in recent years you may not be aware of the new rating system as it applies to energy-efficiency. Energy Star appliances, including heating and cooling systems, are rated with the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) system which gives a more accurate description of its efficiency. Older systems may have had a rating of 6, but the new minimum rating for any appliance is 13 so you can see you will have a more efficient system with higher ratings.
 

Additional Options:
 

•     Variable-Speed  Air Handler
•    Fan-Only switch
•    Operates quietly
•    Filter-Check Light
 

Newer energy-efficient models have built-in features that make it even more efficient such as a Fan-Only switch that can be used on cooler instead of running the AC and a variable speed handler that adjusts its speed to handle the home’s cooling load instead of operating at full speed continuously when it may not be necessary. Some even have an indicator light that reminds you to check the air filter.
 

Upgrading to a new central air conditioner is well worth the cost because the new system will work more efficiently and save you more money on utility expenses. Newer heating and cooling systems use 30 to 50% less energy than models constructed before the 1970s. Even if your old system is only 10 years old, you’ll still get a considerable savings by upgrading to a new system.

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Tips for Buying a New Air Conditioning System in Austin

Buying a new central air conditioning system is a big investment in comfort for your home and family, and it is important to know what you should look for when choosing a new system.  Get familiar with some of the terms associated with AC replacement such as SEER ratings, Energy Star and energy rebates. There are many benefits to replacing your old system with an energy-efficient one, including better performance and saving money on energy bills. Here are a few things you should do when shopping for a new system.

Evaluate Your Current System
 

Are you happy with the way your current system performs? Do the rooms in your home stay reasonably cool? Does it make excessive noise when running? Is your system more than 15 years old? If you are not completely satisfied with the way your system performs you should consider upgrading it with a newer, more energy-efficient system.  Newer systems run quieter, perform better, require less maintenance and save you money on energy costs. It is estimated that new systems consume 30-50% less energy than systems manufactured before the 1990’s.
 

Look for SEER Rating
 

The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) rating of a system indicates how much energy the system uses to perform its intended purpose, which is cooling your home. The higher this rating is, the more efficient the system is. An older system in the age range of 10 to 15 years old might have a SEER rating of 6, a newer energy-efficient system manufactured under the new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2006 guidelines requires a rating of at least 13 so there is a big difference in efficiency there.
 

Ask About Rebates
 

Rebates are tax credits that the government gives for homeowners who switch to energy-efficient heating, cooling and plumbing systems.  The credits are based on the SEER rating and other factors on whether the system qualifies, but you can save between $50 and $300 on the purchase of your new system. Some utility companies also offer incentives for customers who have energy-efficient heating and cooling systems installed. So there are benefits to purchasing a new system other than just better performance.
 

Get Help
 

Your local Austin AC repair and replacement company - ABA - is an excellent source of helpful information when it comes to choosing air conditioners, heat pumps or a new furnace unit. There are so many options available to homeowners looking for AC replacement.  A NATE-certified technician can explain the different systems, how they work and make suggestions based on the size of your home and your personal comfort preferences.
 

Getting the right size and model of air conditioner for your home makes all the difference in your comfort and helps keep your utility bills in check. Bigger is not always better and getting a system that is not sized right can end up costing you money instead of saving it. Call the HVAC experts at ABA Heating and Cooling when considering purchasing a new air conditioning or furnace unit. They are experts in AC repair and replacement.

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Save Money With a New, Energy Efficient Cooling System

It’s that time again, time for your yearly AC tune up and scheduled maintenance.  Preparing for the summer cooling season is not something you should put off until the last minute. If your air conditioner hasn’t been working at its best, it may be time to look into AC replacement. If your unit is between 10 and 15 years old it has probably outlived its usefulness and should be replaced before summer hits.  You can also save money by upgrading to a new, more energy-efficient model that requires less upkeep.  Here are a few ways you benefit from purchasing a new system:
 

Newer Systems are More Efficient
 

The newer, Energy Star appliances are designed to do more but use less energy.  Standard air conditioner use accounts for 50% or more of your electricity bills. If you don’t use a programmable thermostat and just keep it set at one temperature all the time, you are probably receiving bills that are at least two to three hundred dollars every month. A new system would decrease those high bills by consuming less energy.
 

Tax Rebates Help Defray the Cost
 

Another benefit of buying a new system is that there are governments rebates that help defray some of the costs and give incentives to people to buy them who may be on the fence about it.  Talk to your local HVAC contractor about rebates, discounts and other incentives for new installations.
 

Buy When Costs are Lower
 

According to an article on CNN Money, the best time to buy an air conditioner is in the winter, during the off-season costs are usually lower.  AC contractors tend to be less busy in the winter and you can get a new installation done pretty quickly.
 

Once You’ve Decided
 

If you have made up your mind to upgrade your old AC, the rest of the process is pretty simple. You have options when it comes to choosing a new system and you can get help to figure out which system would be best for you and  your family, a new central air system, heat pump or ? Your local AC contractor can offer you some great choices and give you some information to compare products if you are not sure which one to buy.
 

Replacing your old, energy-sucking air conditioner with a newer energy-efficient model will greatly reduce your electricity consumption and your corresponding utility bills. The benefits of AC replacement are numerous, not only do you get a better performing cooling system but you’re also saving money when you use it. 
 

Call ABA Heating and Cooling to find out how you can get an estimate for a new cooling system,  we are experts in AC repair in Austin and we carry all brands.  Our knowledgeable techs can help you choose a system that is just right for you and your home.

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AC Repair in Austin: Is Your AC Running as Efficiently as It Should?

An efficient cooling system is a necessity in areas where the temperatures are hot and humid. If your air conditioning system is not working efficiently it is costing you money instead of saving it. When performance drops it means that the system must work harder to do the same job and, therefore, will cycle on and off more often in an attempt to maintain a consistent temperature. How can you tell if your AC is working efficiently? Answer the questions below to find out.

Is Your Home More Than 15 Years Old?
 

Air conditioning systems are designed to last for 15 to 20 years on the average, but a system can begin to degrade around 10 years of age or so. If you are seeing signs of distress on the system it may be time to think about AC replacement as an alternative to another costly repair to keep it running. It may cost a little more but discounts and rebates will help lower your out-of-pocket costs.
 

Do Some Rooms Stay Cooler than Others?
 

Inconsistent heating and/or cooling is another tell-tale sign that your system is nearing the end of its usefulness. All electrical parts and components breakdown and degrade over time and your AC is no exception. If it is not able to maintain a consistent temperature from one area of the house to another you are losing money and sacrificing the comfort needs of the family members who use these areas.
 

Does the System Cycle Frequently?
 

Does your AC kick on and off too quickly? If it seems like your system is just running constantly this is a sign that it is not running efficiently and needs to cycle more often to keep up.
 

Are Your Energy Bills Too High?
 

If your current system is not running as well as it should it will consume more electricity trying to keep your inside temperatures steady. It will cycle more frequently which uses more electricity resulting in higher utility bills for the homeowner. While it is true that your air conditioning or heating system is responsible for a large portion of your homes energy consumption,  if it is running efficiently it does not use as much energy because it is not kicking on and off so often and temperatures will remain consistent if the home is insulated as well.
 

Have You Made Numerous Repairs?
 

If you have had to repair your system frequently it is definitely a sign that something is not right. Your cooling system needing frequent repairs is costing you money for the repair bills themselves and also for the extra electricity it consumes when it is not performing at its best. Replacing small parts is to be expected and is a necessary maintenance job, but eventually the system will need a total overhaul and repairing the system may be more costly than just upgrading with an AC replacement.
 

If you answered yes to many of these questions then you probably should look into replacing your old cooling system with an energy-efficient system that will save you money. These signs are red flags that your current system is past its prime and should be replaced. ABA Heating and Cooling carry the best in energy-efficient, Energy Star appliances and can install your new system quickly and have you back up and running in no time. Call for more information on the latest new heating and cooling systems.

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Signs it May Be Time for AC Replacement in Austin

All electrical equipment breaks down from time to time and needs to be upgraded or replaced. Your heating and cooling system was designed for a maximum period of time that it should work efficiently and if it is showing signs off overwork or not working as efficiently as it once did, it could be time to start looking for a newer, energy-efficient system to start heating or cooling your home. Your AC repair company in Austin is a good place to go for information on new Energy Star appliances and how to choose the right one. Here are a few indications that it is time to replace your old system:
 

Excessive Noise
 

Your air conditioner has become very noisy recently. Squealing noises are pretty common, most often this is caused by parts that have dried out and need oil or a belt coming loose. When it is a grinding sound that increases in volume it is probably something more serious. Excessive noise could indicate motor or problems with the blowers. Call your Austin AC repair contractor for a system check; it could just need an inexpensive part replaced at not a total replacement.
 

Inefficient Cooling
 

If your system does not adequately cool your home or does not keep down the humidity this is a sign that it could be time to replace your AC unit. If the unit is sized correctly and in good condition it should keep the home cool and relatively dry. If this is not the case, then contact your HVAC company and do some research into a newer, more efficient system.
 

Age of Unit
 

The heating and cooling system installed in your home was designed to work efficiently for a period of 10 to 12 years. A good system will last that long and possibly longer with proper care and maintenance. If your current cooling system is 15 years or older it is costing you money by not working efficiently and should be replaced with a newer system. There are more options now for homeowners to choose a system that fits their needs and is right for them. This is a perfect time to start looking into new installations to see what’s available. An AC contractor can show you some options for a new system and help you make the decision based on informed choice.

Multiple AC Repair Service Calls
 

Numerous repairs to your system to keep it working is a sign that maybe it is better to just replace the unit instead of replacing smaller parts.  In some cases it is better and less expensive to repair something than it is to replace it, but when it continues needing repaired you are spending more money in parts, electricity and labor than you would to replace it.

Replacing your old, inefficient air conditioning system could save you a significant amount of money on utility bills and repair calls. Newer Energy Star models are designed to use less energy and do a better job of cooling your home than your old system.  Contact your local AC repair company in Austin to schedule an inspection of your system and get an estimate on a new installation.

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