Why is AC Maintenance in Austin Important?

Air conditioner maintenance in Austin is very important for the efficiency and working life of your cooling system. In order to beat the heat, you must schedule a spring AC tune-up session with an HVAC company in Austin. Experts suggest that the best time for air conditioner tuning is the spring season before the hottest heat arrives. A maintained AC unit will work more efficiently, and it will improve the air quality of your home. Spring maintenance is important because your air conditioner has been hibernating during the winter season, so it requires cleaning and maintenance, it's more like a kick-start to get it ready to go for summer.

During the winter, the evaporator coils of the air conditioner accumulate dust and other types of outdoor debris. Air conditioner filters may need replacement; the late spring season is the perfect time for air conditioner cleaning. Spring AC tune-ups involve cleaning and lubricating the interior parts of the air conditioner, changing filters, cleaning outside units, and more. You should contact a licensed and professional HVAC contractor in Austin for this kind of work to be sure it's done properly.

If your air conditioner requires maintenance and repair, it is most likely to breakdown in the summer, or would stop working completely if you have not had AC maintenance so call an HVAC company now for an inspection and maintenance appointment. According to the statistics, regular, seasonal or annual maintenance of the air conditioning system reduces the probability of equipment breakdown by 95%, and reduces energy costs by 25%. Thus, you can lower your electricity bills in the summer if your cooling system has been properly taken care of.

Austin Air Conditioner Maintenance in the Spring

Air conditioner breakdowns are very common in the summer; we rely too much on our air conditioning system to keep us comfortable and cool, but ignore the basic maintenance and repair that is required before the start of the summer. Experts suggest that spring air conditioner tune-ups are very important for an AC to work efficiently during very hot temperatures in the summer in Austin. You should perform basic maintenance in the spring season, such as, checking air filters, adjusting the thermostat, changing thermostat batteries and other tasks. Homeowners should make an appointment for seasonal or annual professional maintenance by an HVAC contractor.
 

Annual maintenance of your AC will ensure that your cooling system keeps working in full swing during the peak time of the season in Austin. Professional maintenance is performed only by expert HVAC techs, and they will check refrigerant levels, electrical wiring, and will perform cleaning and repair tasks on the inside and outside unit. The air conditioning system will work more efficiently and accurately in the summer. If you have an old system, you should consider an upgrade and discuss it with the HVAC contractor.
 

Homeowners should have their air conditioning system checked in the late spring, and that is the best time for AC cleaning and maintenance. There are certain problems you need to discuss with the AC technician. The most common AC-related problems are low airflow from your air conditioner, leaky air ducts, refrigerant leaks, and electrical failure. You need to discuss all these issues with the AC technician, and also there are other problems you may not be aware of will be taken care of by the technician. Dirt and debris inside the AC unit is a very typical culprit for an AC breakdown. So, the HVAC contractor who performs maintenance should be doing all of these tasks. The number one task would be to clean the condenser and evaporator coil.
 

An expert should perform cleaning of the inside and outside unit of an AC, since they abide by the necessary safety codes and have all the necessary tools for AC maintenance, cleaning, and repair. Contact a reputable and professional HVAC company in Austin for AC maintenance.
 

Maintenance Tips for a Central Air Conditioner in Austin

Central air conditioning systems require a lot of maintenance and upkeep to keep them running as efficiently as possible. Maintaining a central air conditioning system is very important. You can call up licensed HVAC services in Austin for professional repair and maintenance in the spring and summer seasons. Maintenance of an air conditioner, if done properly, extends its life and efficiency. You should have some basic knowledge of your air conditioner to be able to maintain it.  The most important and basic maintenance task is to remove and replace air filters on your air conditioner every so often. Clogged and dirty air filters restrict airflow. If the air filter is dirty; the dirt will bypass the filter and will be sent directly into the evaporator coil. A dirty filter can lower the efficiency of an air conditioner by as much as 15%.
 

An HVAC expert will help you locate air filters in your central air conditioner system; usually these filters are located along the return duct’s length, or in ceilings, furnaces, or the air conditioner itself. There are different types of air filters; some are re-usable after cleaning, and others need replacement every two or three months. Air filter replacement also depends on the air quality of your home, the number of residents in the house, and if there are pets inside the house. HVAC contractors located in Austin will inspect your air conditioning system annually to make sure everything is in good working condition.
 

Use high efficiency and pleated air filters in your central air conditioner. There are different types of air filters, so check with the manufacturer’s manual to find out what kind of air filter is installed in your AC, and how often you need to replace it. A central air conditioner does not need to run all the time. Install a programmable thermostat that would automatically set cooler temperatures when you come home, and higher ones when you are gone for the day. If an AC runs all the time, it will lose its efficiency, and then you have to deal with higher energy bills. Shut off your air conditioning system completely while you are going out on a vacation. Adjustable thermostats are easily available and affordable. You can also buy smart thermostats that can be adjusted remotely with a smart phone.
 

Strategies for Buying a New Air Conditioner in Austin

It is summer, and many homeowners would like to replace their old AC units with a new one. A new and upgraded version will ensure you have a comfortable summer season for many years to come. A new air conditioner requires little or no maintenance, and it helps reduce the energy costs when compared with older units. When you want to buy an AC in Austin, it is important to consider a few smart strategies. These basic reminders will help you make the right choice for your home. Once you have a new system up and running, it could last with you for a decade or more. A new air conditioner should be able to improve the air quality in your home, as well.
 

Most homeowners are not familiar with technical details related to air conditioning, so you will need to consult an HVAC technician in Austin for expert advice. In order to buy an AC that is suitable for your home, you will need to do some research. After you have selected a licensed and professional HVAC company in Austin, they will send a tech to your home who would suggest the right AC brand, and the size of the unit that would be the most practical option for your home's cooling needs. Ask the contractor as many questions as you can think of; ask about different brands and warranties they offer. You should select an air conditioner that fits your cooling needs; take into consideration the size of your house, level of insulation, and condition of the duct system, if it is a central air conditioner you need to buy.
 

The smartest thing you can do is to consider the SEER (energy efficiency rating) of the air conditioner. The higher the SEER, the more energy efficient your unit will be. An AC unit with a SEER of 13 to 22 can cut down on energy costs by as much as 50%. SEER 13 is a standard; you should go above 13, and pick any AC unit that has a rating of 13 to 22.
 

Many homeowners make a mistake by installing oversized air conditioners in their home which do not improve the air quality, but rather worsen it. Residential central and window or wall-mounted air conditioners have an average size of 1 to 5 tons; any size exceeding that is too big for an average house. Experts suggest installing 1 ton of air conditioning for every 400 square feet of space, but times have changed, and the more efficient air conditioners have become really small in size. Trust your HVAC contractor on the size of the AC he recommends. He will figure out the heat-load calculation by considering factors such as, climate in your area, number of residents in the house, air filtration, insulation, the duct system, window area, size of your house, and your comfort preference.
 

Should I Pick a Central Air Conditioning System or a Wall-Mounted Unit for My Austin Home?

Purchasing a new air conditioner is quite an investment, but after moving into a new house, you may need to install a new air conditioning system as your old cooling system may not work efficiently. In order to buy an air conditioner, you have to do some research and ask yourself, do you need a central air conditioning system or a wall-mounted air conditioner. An HVAC expert in Austin can answer this question and help you with installation services. Both of these systems possess benefits and disadvantages, but you should make a final selection keeping in consideration your space and cooling needs.
 

After you have moved into a new house in Austin, it is important to buy an air conditioner that fits your cooling needs, your comfort preferences, and other technical aspects related to cooling your home. If you consider buying a central air conditioner, you must keep in mind that its installation cost is higher than having a wall-mounted nit. Central air conditioners require a duct system to deliver conditioned air to every room of the house. Installing ductwork in older homes can be a problem; wall-mounted air conditioners, on the other hand, can easily be installed, as these are self-contained units. A central air conditioner can be more efficient than a wall-mounted AC if you have several levels in your house. Installing a separate air conditioner in each room can be time-consuming and less efficient.
 

Therefore, if you have several rooms in your house that need cooling, you should look for a central air conditioning system. A central air conditioner will maintain a stable temperature in each room of the house. For a wall-mounted air conditioner, you have to adjust the thermostat and temperature for each room. Wall air conditioners are typically less expensive, that is why these are a popular and a typical choice in some older homes.
 

Always purchase an air conditioner that comes with at least a 5-year of warranty, and always buy an air conditioner from a reputable brand.
 

If you want your central or wall-mounted air conditioner to work efficiently with few problems, you have to schedule annual maintenance of the air conditioning system with a HVAC company in Austin. Whatever air conditioner you choose, remember that the energy efficiency rating should be above 13 (SEER). In nonprofessional sense, an AC with 13-efficiency rating would consume 30% less energy as compared to an older unit with a rating below 13. Whatever system you choose, make sure it is the right size for your home and family's cooling needs.

How to Pick the Right Air Conditioner for Your Austin Home

Buying a new air conditioner can be a big investment and picking the right air conditioner for your home requires a lot of consideration. The air conditioner you pick for your house should be energy efficient and should help you lower your energy bills. Homeowners in Austin have many different types of air conditioners to choose from; the type of air conditioner you choose will depend on your cooling needs. The latest AC models are more energy efficient, quiet, look great, and will save you money on energy bills each month. If you are still trying to go through the summer with a ten-year-old AC unit, it is high time to upgrade. You should cut down on energy costs and repair bills, and consider buying a new unit for a pleasant, cool, and comfortable summer.
 

So, how do you pick the right air conditioner for your Austin home? A new air conditioner should be better, quieter and efficient than the older unit you had in your house. You can contact an HVAC company in Austin for an expert consultation on what AC to buy. They will help you to pick the right capacity AC that will be able to take care of your home and family's cooling needs with a great SEER rating of 13 or more.
 

If you had been paying a lot on energy bills previously, a latest model with a SEER of 13 and above will reduce energy bills by almost 50%. The cooling capacity of an AC is measured in BTU (British thermal unit), if the area you need to cool is 100 to 300 square feet, an AC with 5000 to 6000 BTU will work. If the area is up to a 1000 square feet, an AC with 14,000 to 18,000 BTU will be required. You do no need to install a very big AC in you home; it will consume more electricity and won’t remove humidity from the air. The AC you pick should be able to improve the air quality in your home, pick an AC with an anti-viral or anti-bacterial air filter.

Things to Consider When Buying a New AC in Austin

Buying a new and energy efficient air conditioner will make the summer months bearable and comfortable if your central air conditioner is over 10 years old. A new energy efficient air conditioning system will help you save up to 30% to 50% on your energy bills. This can make a huge impact on your cooling costs. Sticking with an older unit and getting it repaired often will only increase the expenses. If you want to make your summer months comfortable in Austin, then consider upgrading to a better air conditioning system for your home. When upgrading to a new and improved air conditioner, there are many things you need to consider.
 

Two types of central air conditioners are widely used in homes, a split system air conditioner and a packaged air conditioner. Installing a split central air conditioner is the most economical choice. If you are unsure of your decision, you can call up an HVAC expert in Austin to suggest a new AC for your home. The HVAC expert will visit your home, will take the measurements of the rooms in your house, and will suggest the right AC for your cooling needs. The technician would advise you to buy the most energy efficient system with a SEER rating of 13 or more. An AC with a SEER of 13 consumes 30% less electricity as compared to older models with a SEER of 10 or less. Some older units also have a 6-SEER or below and this is costing you a lot of money on energy bills each month to keep your home cool.
 

Deciding on the size of an AC is very important, if it is too small for your home, it will have to run harder and will thus consume more electricity; a large AC will not be able to remove humidity from the air, thus leading to a less cooling effect. The capacity of AC needed would depend directly on the size of your home.
 

It is very important to hire an expert and licensed HVAC contractor for AC installation. As described before, the size of an AC depends directly on the area it has to cool. An HVAC technician will take into account the size of your home, the size of the rooms, the level of insulation installed in your home, and many other factors. Only a right-sized AC unit will provide the best cooling performance.