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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What is the Best Type of Air Filter?

Air filters do a double duty; they keep dust, hair and pet dander from clogging your furnace or AC motor and also trap unhealthy germs in the air that can make people sick and irritate breathing problems like asthma and COPD. For maximum efficiency, air filters should be changed every 1 to 3 months depending on your system usage. The best type is the one that is the most efficient and provides the best performance. Here is some basic information to help you choose the best filter for your heating and/or cooling system.

How Many Types of Air Filters Are There?

There are many different types of air filters on the market including hybrid forms that are used in air purifiers and cleaners.  The types listed here are commonly used to trap dust and particles in your heating and cooling systems. They are :

• Pleated filters
• Electrostatic filters
• Fiberglass filters

Pleated and Fiberglass Filters

The types of filter found in most homes are usually the fiberglass or pleated filters purchased from the hardware store or home improvement center for around $3 each. These two types are inexpensive and generally last about 1 to 3 months depending on usage of the heating or cooling system. If your furnace or air conditioner is in continual use then it will need to be changed more frequently.

Electrostatic Filters

This type of filter is a little different from the others as it works on the principles of magnetism to draw in dust, allergens and particles. These filters are manufactured out of fiber material and also a metal mesh similar to screen material that can be washed off and reused. The filters are charged, or magnetized to attract particles and can be found at certain retailers selling permanent or reusable filters. The cost of these filters can vary between $20 and $50 dollars depending on the size needed.

High Efficiency Filters

While these are more efficient than most other types of filters they are also more costly. The upside to this is they also tend to last longer than standard filters, so you could weigh the difference between cost and longevity if you are considering these filters. Some Allergen-Reducing filters are manufactured with several layers of material for best collection of particulates. These high efficiency filters cost between $5 and $15 each and perform similar to HEPA filters at reducing allergens and microbial particles.

The best type of filters is the one that fits your needs as well as your budget so you will have to consider each type and their benefits to decide which one is best for you.

Keeping your air filters clean and changed frequently will prevent a lot of AC repair calls to your HVAC contractor. Many of the repair jobs seen by contractors could have been prevented by changing air filters more often as they get very dirty with continuous use. Call ABA Heating and Cooling if you need AC repair service or for more information about how air filters work to keep your system clean.

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Stop Air Leaks to Maximize AC Efficiency in Austin

One way to maximize the efficiency of your AC system is to keep your heated or cooled air inside where it belongs.  When you were a child if your parents ever said “close the door, we’re not heating the outside” that means that creating a tight seal in your home keeps you from doing exactly that: heating the outside. 

Your heat is leaking right out through cracks and crevices making your AC system cycle longer to maintain room temperature and also uses more energy resulting in higher monthly utility bills. Here are a few steps you can take to ensure that your warm or cool air stays right where it belongs.
 

Seal Air Leaks
 

This one step makes a big difference in keeping your home warmer or cooler. Weather stripping around windows and doors stop leaks that occur where there are small cracks or gaps. Larger gaps in the framework of wooden door s can be sealed with silicone or foam caulking.
 

Check Insulation Levels
 

Insulation levels also apply to air conditioning needs. Insulation provides a barrier that keeps hot air from leaking in and making your system work harder to remove the humidity. Insulation in your attic should reach the tops of your floor joists to be efficient. If it is low you will need to add a few inches to the existing levels to make it adequate.
 

Upgrade to New Windows
 

Double-paned windows are the most efficient at reducing heat transfer and stopping air leaks, but may not be an economical choice for everyone.  If new windows are not in your budget you can still minimize the amount of hot or cold air that transfers through them. In the winter time, cover windows with a heavy curtain at night to keep cold air out, and in the summer cover them during the day to keep heat out. You can also invest in window cling film that blocks heat and provides privacy for windows without curtains or shades.
 

Seal Drafts
 

Underneath doors is another source of drafts. The little brush assembly that is attached at the bottom of the door is meant to keep out drafts but, if that is missing as it may be in some older homes, you can buy a draft stopper that does the same job. A draft stopper is a roll of material that fits across the bottom of the door to stop air leaks.
 

Stopping air leaks goes a long way towards making your system run more efficiently. Using a programmable thermostat, blocking leaks and keeping your heating and cooling system in top shape will keep it working as efficiently as possible for a very long time.

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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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