Prevent Repeated Repair Calls | Insight from Your Trusted Dallas, TX Heating and AC Repair Service
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Tired of paying high fees for heating and ac repair? While it feels normal to hold off repair during the off seasons, it can be to your ultimate detriment. We get it, the weather is nice out and your HVAC system is the furthest thing from your mind. However, once the winter or summer hits, there is nothing worse than having to deal with last minute heating and ac repair. To be prepared the best time to schedule repairs for your is now.
By the time a unit needs to be fixed or repaired the cost can be high. The added cost of high energy bills and the physical discomfort can make the situation almost unbearable. The best defense is a good offense. By scheduling regular HVAC repair inspections, you set yourself up for success. A little pre-planning can bring with it a ton of rewards. There are several ways regular heating and ac repair maintenance can benefit you and your bottom line. Read on for benefits and cost-reducing measures.
Save Money in the Long Run
One way to save money on HVAC repair is regular maintenance. If your system is showing any signs of wear and tear, waiting to get it fixed will only drive the cost up. Minor issues can turn into major ones very quickly. If left too long, the damage can become extensive enough that your entire system will need to be replaced. The best way to combat unseen costs is to schedule heating and repair in the off-season to prepare for heavier use months.
Most HVAC units need to be replaced every 10 years. Either the compressor or the air handler, or both may need to be replaced. It is recommended that if a replacement is needed that the entire system be replaced at once. While this means more money spent upfront, it will save you money down the road. When your HVAC unit is in sync it is both cost-effective and energy efficient.
Technicians can service your equipment, give you cleaning and best use tips, as well as recommend any upgrades or replacements you may need. An educated and patient technician is your equipment’s best ally. Not only will a properly working unit save you money, it will also create a healthier living environment. Read on for important information on air quality safety.
Keep Your Home Safe
Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutants that can lead to the release of harmful gases and particles. When working properly, ventilation is meant to filter in enough fresh outdoor air to dilute toxic emissions. In addition, inflated humidity levels and excessive temperatures can lead to an increase in pollutant concentrations.
Unless you regularly have a heating and ac repair technician come to your home and check your equipment, you could be putting your family and yourself in danger. Undetected gas leaks can become a great risk. Old units have the potential to leak poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is particularly dangerous because its both odorless and tasteless.
Overexposure to carbon monoxide can lead to significant tissue damage and even death. Leaks are not only dangerous but they also can cost you a lot of money. A faulty gas heater can waste energy and create a higher utility bill. If your unit is not new, schedule heating and ac repair now to protect yourself from any dangerous exposure.
Improve Efficiency
An HVAC system is a major investment. It costs money to install and to run. So when it does run, it is important to know that it is running as efficiently as possible. An inspection from a qualified heating and ac repair technician can prevent energy loss and increase your unit’s efficiency. An inspection will typically include a careful examination of the vital parts of your unit.
An inspection can include a closer look at carbon monoxide levels, your thermostat, the heat exchanger, gas pressure, and burner. Regular heating and ac repair can extend your HVAC’s lifespan. Quick fixes can include getting your air filters changed regularly, about once a month or so to prevent clogs. Using an adjustable thermostat can also help. By programming your thermostat 10 to 15 degrees lower it can save you up to 15% a year.
Another way to increase efficiency is getting a home energy audit. An audit can let you know how much energy your HVAC system is using. This can lead to recommended upgrades and/or replacements.
Lower Your Home’s Humidity
With consistent warm temperature comes high humidity. Who knows that better than those who live in the Dallas, TX area? Not only can it be uncomfortable but too much humidity in your home increases the growth of mold and mildew. The key to mold control is controlling the amount of moisture in the air. Ideally, the humidity level in your home should stay between 30 to 60%.
Evidence that the humidity levels are too high in your home include a musty smell, damps walls, water stains, moldy spots and condensation on glass. If you notice any of these it may be time for heating and ac repair. If you do have a mold problem, first clean it up immediately and then get the water issue fixed. Dry all water-logged areas within 24-48 hours to prevent further growth.
A heating and ac repair technician can do several things to reduce the humidity in your home before any permanent damage can take hold. First the heating and ac repair person will check your home’s moisture barrier and access what measures are required.
One option is the installation of ventilation fans. Ventilation fans are key in high-moisture areas such as the kitchen and bathroom. Cooking and washing up can create an increase in condensation. Fans help to reduce moisture and do a good job of circulating air flow. Kitchen fans can also decrease smoke fumes and unwanted odors.
Moisture can also come from air leaks. Air leaks can account for over a quarter of cool air and heat loss and moisture build-up, creating problems not only in comfort but financially as well. Areas that commonly have leaks include exterior doors, windows, attic access and electrical outlets. Heating and ac repair professionals can seal all leaks so you don’t have to.
Quality Air Flow
Making sure your home’s ventilation system is clean and working properly can have a huge effect on your overall air quality and safety. A faulty system can release harmful toxic gas into the air, like carbon monoxide. As well, if your ducts are dusty or clogged, an uneven air flow can lead to poor air quality. This is an easy fix, by having an experienced heating and and ac repair technician inspect your air ducts and regularly change air filters. Don’t wait until your system breaks down to have it inspected.
The best defense is a balanced ventilation system. When working correctly, a ventilation exchanges the air outside your home with the air within, creating a natural flow. A professional heating and ac repair technician can help clean your existing system or install a new system that will keep your home’s air healthy and fresh.
Think Outside the Box
A zone control system can control the temperature in each room of your home. If you have rooms that cool or heat unevenly, people with different temperature needs or infrequently used rooms, a zone control system may be for you. A heating and repair specialist can install a system that allows you full control over the air conditioning and heating for specific rooms or (zones). This kind of system only uses energy based on your preferences, reducing your utility bill and increasing your comfort level.
This system will make everyone in your household happy. You can preset some rooms at a higher heat say in the winter and keep the rest of the house at a lower, more cost-effective temperature. A programmable thermostat can also allow you to keep rooms at a cooler temperature at night and a warmer temperature during the day, or the opposite. You can also learn to program your system to turn off while you are out and to turn on again at a certain time when you are due to arrive home. A reputable heating and ac repair company can easily walk you through the consultation and installation process, as well as help you to program your systems to your ideal levels.
Prevent Emergency Repairs
No one likes to have to deal with the inconvenience of emergency repairs. Older units or weather-related damage can wreak havoc on your HVAC system.
Breakage due to weather can quickly turn costly. For example, frozen pipes are not only costly to fix but create a huge mess to clean up after. Often pipes freeze and burst when you are not at home, causing further damage. Insulation and proper care can prevent this from happening. Insulation installations can be done quickly and save you stress for the rest of the season. Most heating and ac repair issues can be fixed or prevented with professional guidance.
Reducing the use of your unit can also prevent the need for emergency maintenance. When temperatures outside are extremely high or low, the tendency is to overrun your unit. Be mindful of how often your unit is running and how hard it is working to make your space comfortable. In the winter, seal leaks for higher efficiency. In the summer months utilize fans, close curtains and avoid using the stove during the hottest time of day.
Problem Solve the Right Way
While the Dallas, TX area is not exceptionally known for its colder temperatures, we still have our fair share of colder days to endure. If your home is slow to heat it may be an indicator of a larger problem. Several factors could be at play.
One being that your furnace is not igniting properly. This is often because the furnace needs a routine cleaning. Another reason could be that you have a malfunctioning thermostat. If your thermostat becomes disconnected from your furnace it creates a complete breakdown in communication.
A leak in your duct work can also cause issues in functionality. Leaks allow warm air to evaporate into crawlspaces and attics. The warm air is then replaced with cold air. In addition, your heat exchanger could be cracked. This can be a health risk in addition to a heat thief. If you hear a noise or smell gas, turn off your system and immediately call a professional heating and ac repair technician.
A variety of issues can cause your system to breakdown. Parts breakdown due to age and misuse, as well as improper installations that can cause part of the system to become damaged. Whatever the cause, a quick and systematic approach is best. Notice if there are symptoms that are out of the ordinary. Has your heat gone down without you touching the thermostat, is there all of sudden uneven heating or cooling, a need to reset constantly, or strange noises coming from your machinery?
If so, then it is time to call One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating. We will work with you step-by-step to get the problem fixed. So that your system not only works well today but for years and years to come.
Contact One Hour for Your All Your Heating and AC Repair Needs
Are you or a friend or family member a homeowner in the Dallas, TX area? In need of professional heating and ac repair that does not cost a bundle? Contact One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating for a customized consultation. Talk to one of our many experienced technicians and let them help you with all your questions and concerns. Quality customer service and a personal touch are what sets us apart from the rest.