Common Air Conditioner Problems Calling For AC Repair in Austin

There are several reasons why your air conditioning unit may have stopped working. After checking all the simple things like making sure it’s plugged in,  the thermostat is on “cool” and set at the proper temperature, if it still does not work you may need to call a technician for AC repair in Austin. Most things can be fixed quickly without taking up too much time. The dead of summer is a bad time for your AC unit to be out of commission.

Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On

If you turn on your air conditioner but nothing happens it may be because your thermostat is defective or you are not getting power to the unit. You may have a short in the wiring, or the unit may have a safety feature built in that turns off the power to avoid damaging the unit.

Frozen Coil

If there is ice on the front of your unit the condenser coil has frozen up. This is often caused by faulty blower fans and dirty air filters that restrict airflow into the unit. Dirt, hair, and pet dander is trapped in the filters to keep the air inside the home cleaner, but if these filters are not changed often enough they can damage your system by restricting the air intake. It may also be low on coolant.

Fans Blow Out Warm Air

If your air conditioning unit is blowing out warm air it could be one of two things. The unit may be low on refrigerant or the compressor may have stopped working. It is not good to let it run in this state, it is advisable to turn it off and call an HVAC technician to inspect it. If it continues to run, the compressor can lock up and then it will have to be replaced which is more costly than just recharging the Freon levels.

Strange Noises While Running

Your unit may make strange noises at the beginning of the cycle that lessen and stop after it has warmed up, these noises are normal. If you hear a rattling noise, it could be a loose part that needs tightening. A hissing sound could be a hose leaking air or fluid. A grinding sound could mean that your fans are hitting against something or the motor is about to shut down.

In many cases, these problems can be detected and prevented by scheduling regular or preventative maintenance. Frozen coils, low refrigerant and restricted airflow problems can be detected during tune-ups and fixed before they become a problem. If you experience any of these issues, contact a NATE-certified technician to inspect your system and diagnose the problem.  Call ABA Heating and Cooling for all types of AC repair.

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AC Repair in Austin: What to Do If Your Air Conditioner is Blowing Hot Air

Air conditioners draw in warm air, “condition” it with refrigerant, and then blow the super cooled air out through the vents and duct work in your home.  When you turn the system on you should hear the fan or blower kick on and feel cool air coming out after a minute or two. If your AC unit is blowing out hot air instead you may have a problem. Here are some tips on what to do if your system is not working as it should.

Check the Thermostat

This may seem like a simple thing that most people would know to do, but often we forget to check to make sure that the system is set on “cool”, especially if you’ve had a few cold nights and used your furnace or you have children who may have accidentally turned it on the heat setting.  It may just not be set right. If it is set on the proper settings and you can hear the fan kick on, then the thermostat is doing its job.

Feel the Air Coming Out of the Vent

Let the system run for a few minutes and feel the air coming out. If it’s blowing out warm air then most likely it is probably low on refrigerant.  If this is the case, it is easy to remedy. You’d need to call an HVAC technician to recharge your refrigerant levels.

Turn the System Off

What you should do now is turn the system off and contact a certified HVAC company for a service call. It is important not to run your system when it is low on coolant because it can cause your compressor to lock up and once that happens, it becomes a costly AC repair job. Turning it off when you realize there is a problem will save your system from being damaged.

Expert Tips

The first thing to do when troubleshooting any type of electrical equipment is to check the simple things first. Often times it is a simple thing like the system not being set at the right temperature or it has been turned off. If you check these things first and it does not resolve the issue, then the next logical step is to call someone who has experience with heating and cooling systems and have them diagnose the problem.  If problems are addressed immediately, they are often less expensive to repair because other parts of the system have not become damaged yet.

Call an AC Repair Service

Your AC repair technician will inspect your system thoroughly; refill Freon and check to see that all connections are tight and that there are no air leaks. They will also want to check the condition of your compressor to make sure that it is working properly.  The most common reasons for a lack of cool air is low Freon or the compressor has stopped working.

 If your air conditioner isn’t working properly, remember the tips from above and call your AC repair service. ABA Heating and Cooling services all models of air conditioners and offers quick and speedy service at affordable rates. Don’t let problems go to long or you could end up needing a total AC replacement instead of a simple repair job.

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5 Reasons Why You Should Have a Maintenance Plan for Heating and Cooling

Frigidaire (Photo credits: Best Buy)

Your AC is your best friend during the hot Austin summer months and you certainly don’t want it to break down on the day you need it the most. That is why it is important to keep it in tip top shape and running efficiently to keep your home cool and comfortable during those sweltering summer days and nights.

Your AC repair company or HVAC service may offer a regular maintenance program for heating and cooling systems for a small monthly fee. While some might think it is an added expense that is unnecessary, it can save extend the life of your air conditioner and save you money on costly repairs or even replacements. Here are a few reasons why you should get a maintenance plan if it is offered:

Avoid Your AC breaking down

This is probably the number one most important reason, avoiding a breakdown. There are usually signs that something is going on, like a loud noise or a grinding sound, and quite often we ignore it hoping it will go away. The truth is that ignoring it long enough will make it go away but not in the way you think. The noise will stop because your AC is no longer working. A system that is not well maintained is a problem waiting to happen, and usually at the most inconvenient time.

Discounts and Specials

If you are a regular customer you may be entitled to special discounts and services as a reward for continued service. These discounts can be applied to anything from AC repair in Austin to a new installation of a high-efficiency system. You may also be eligible for special response time during holidays and times when they are particularly busy. With a service plan that means if something happens a technician can be there within a couple hours instead of a couple of days to fix it. This is extremely important on those hot August days when temperatures hit 90 degrees and above.

Save Money on Utilities

A system that is not working properly consumes more energy because it has to work harder to compensate. A dirty air filter, clogged condensate drain or parts that need replaced can’t function at their best and will often need more time to complete tasks which means that your system will cycle more often or continuously until those repairs are made costing you more money. Regular maintenance will spot problems early on before they have a chance to cause damage.

Pay Less for Scheduled AC Repair

With a maintenance plan you will pay less for repairs because your costs are included in your flat rate service. Your plan is set at a low rate that includes all the fees and costs so you don’t have to pay separately for any service. Parts and labor are included, often at a discount so you will never pay the full rate.

Convenient

Having someone else to remember when your system needs a cleaning is very convenient. The appointments are scheduled when it is convenient for you taking the hassle out of making service calls.

A preventative maintenance plan saves money, time and extends the life of your cooling system. It is much more costly to have to call for emergency service or to have to purchase a whole new system if it cannot be repaired. Keeping your AC in good working order ensures that it will be there when you need it.

Here are a few of the services that are included in a maintenance plan:

•    Check thermostat
•    Lubricate all moving parts
•    Clean condensate drain
•    Tighten hoses and connections
•    Monitor refrigerant
•    Clean coils
•    Check air filters
•    Check equipment for tears or signs of wear

If you would like more information on service plans or you need AC repair in Austin, contact us for quick and speedy service.

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Furnace Repair Service for Austin, TX Homeowners

Image of Austin, Texas (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Replacing your furnace can be expensive, and a headache. Most furnaces cost upwards of $2000, and that does not include the cost of installation.

Repair vs Replacement

When your furnace is acting up, or not heating your home properly, you should always consult a furnace repair contractor, to see if repair can be completed before replacing your entire heater unit. There are many things a contractor knows to look for, to save you money. 

A Trusted Furnace Repair Company in Austin

ABA has been repairing furnaces, and broken heating units for years. Most of our employees have been with the company 10 years or more, and are experts in keeping your Austin home warm, during those cold winter nights. You can call us to set up an appointment at 512-687-1463.

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