Ceiling fans versus air conditioners | Heating and AC Repair in Fort Worth, TX
Homeowners in Fort Worth, TX, utilize both ceiling fans and air conditioners, both of which have become a norm. This is perhaps due to aesthetic reasons, societal norms, the need to find immediate relief from the blistering heat or all three. Most people commonly wonder which of the two will help them stay both cool and save their energy bills at the same time. At the end of the day it always comes down to the cost, which is definitely a very tricky thing to do. Some homeowners lack the foresight and crank up the air conditioner and run all their ceiling fans in a bid to go ‘guns blazing’ against the scorching heat.
We don’t need to tell you how harmful this can be to your energy bill. The trick is to find the right balance. It is worth noting that 2017 was the second hottest year on record, followed by the dry summers of 2016 – it seems that 2018 is also shaping up to be just as hot – if not more.
A look from the health perspective
Air conditioners are designed to regulate the air to a desired temperature, humidity and air quality, provided that they are maintained properly. An air conditioner or HVAC unit which is running without being properly optimized can easily jeopardize the health and safety of homeowners in Forth Worth, TX. They could result in an environment which could be conducive to the growth of mold, dust particulates, algae and harmful bacteria. These could contaminate the supply of air inside vents which could result in excessive noise, build up of water and freezing of condensation coils. All this can happen if the air conditioner isn’t maintained as it should.
Ceiling fans are used in environments which are naturally ventilated. They don’t depend on specific design features of the house and regulate the air flow of the rooms without influencing it in any other meaningful way. They have no control over the temperature, humidity and air quality. A ceiling fan only increases the velocity of air nearby, irrespective of its temperature. So, if the ambient temperature is hot, homeowners wouldn’t experience much comfort. At times, this could even compromise the perspiration systems of our bodies which might not be able to cool because of high humidity.
Air conditioners require more repairs – costly repairs
Because of the complex parts in air conditioners, all of which need to be working cohesively as one single unit, more maintenance and repair work from licensed technicians is required. Some of the most common heating and air conditioner repairs in Fort Worth, TX include:
Air filters
The main reason why air conditioners fail to work properly is because of clogged air filters, which have dust particulates sitting on them for years. It is recommended to clean and if necessary, replace the air filter once every three months. If the air conditioner is always in use, then it is vital to have it replaced every month. These repairs are easy to perform and can help you save electricity bills overnight if done right. Dirty air filters compromise the flow of air inside the unit and can even cause the evaporator coils to freeze, which condenses as water. The gradual buildup of water can damage the AC parts, requiring costly repairs.
Thermostat
The thermostat detects the temperature setting of the ambient air and revs up the compressor in the air conditioner when needed. The thermostat’s location is also important and you can’t just install it everywhere. In order for the temperature readings to be accurate, it has to be located at a safe area, preferably away from heat sources which could skew the temperature readings. A thermostat placed in close proximity to heating and cooling sources can result in room temperatures which don’t match the room settings. Although thermostat repairs are easy to perform, they should only be handled by a licensed professional.
Refrigerant leaks
The most common problems with air conditioners originate with the refrigerant. Either they are undercharged, or start to leak because of a botched up installation. The performance and efficiency of your air conditioner is directly linked to the amount and type of refrigerant. The refrigerant leaks are also harmful to the environment, leading to a high carbon footprint which is partially responsible for global warming.
The compressor fails
Compressors apply energy to refrigerants which change state from vapor to liquid. They are then propelled through the coils to carry out heat exchange with the ambient air. When the compressor fails, the AC will not cool your house and will require an immediate repair. Variables such as the quantity of the refrigerant, suction line size, electrical problems and inadequate lubrication can result in the failure of the compressor.
The contrast with a simple ceiling fan
In comparison to air conditioners and fully fledged HVAC solutions, ceiling fans are simpler, more robust solutions. They typically consist of a fan bracket, ban blade arms, fan blades, fan motor and fan pulls in some cases. Not much is required in the way of routine maintenance, or repairs for that matter. Ceiling fans are easy to install as long as you have access to fan mounts.
You don’t have to worry about contaminants in the system, debris or water spillage. Repair works are cheap and the energy bills are minimal, carbon dioxide emissions are nil. It has been shown by researchers that homeowners will have to find unique ways to find the right balance between their air conditioners and ceiling fans and pullour planet out of the environmental disaster it is currently embroiled in.
As for those pesky air conditioner repair works, do not be afraid to pick up the phone and give a call to licensed professionals at One Hour Heating and Air in Forth Worth, TX. We give prompt repairs in minimal times at economical pricing and a high quality of work.