The Basics Of Air Conditioner Installation | Fort Worth, TX
As a homeowner, it is easy to take certain things for granted. For example, you may have always had AC in your home, so you may not have thought about it too much. Eventually, however, your AC may start to malfunction, at which point you will need to think about whether or not it is worth it to keep putting money in it or consider a new air conditioner installation in Fort Worth, TX. Repairing your old system is certainly going to be the cheaper route, but if you have to keep repairing it over the next couple of years it may not be the best route to take.
Before jumping into a new air conditioner installation however it may be good to take a step back and think about what you are really getting into. Unless you have dealt with this task before, the idea of replacing your entire unit and putting in a new one may seem foreign to you. There are a lot of factors that go into determining what your new system should look like, so it is best to approach a new AC with the help of a trained HVAC technician that can make sure you get the right model for your home.
How to Choose Your New AC System
As mentioned, there are a lot of things that you need to decide before jumping into an air conditioner installation. First off, you need to assess what unit size your home requires. This can be done by measuring square footage and assessing your current HVAC system. If you don’t plan on replacing the furnace as well you need to make sure that your unit matches the unit you have. You also need to take a close look at your ductwork system to determine how much energy and force the new AC will need.
Fort Worth, TX is a warmer climate, so choosing the right AC system is very important, especially if you want an energy-efficient model. It is a safe bet that your AC will be on for weeks at a time, so you need an AC that can do its job without expending extra energy. One that draws a lower amount of energy is also a good idea given the energy grid issues in Texas. Finally, you need a system that can meet all of the above requirements and still meet your budget.
That last step can be the hardest because an AC system is not cheap, and getting a system that is a good value and fit for your home comes at a cost. It can be hard to navigate all of these factors on your own which is why the best bet is always to work with a professional HVAC technician in Fort Worth, TX who can help talk you through the various features of newer AC systems and help you decide what you really need and what you don’t. You will also need a professional to help with air conditioner installation.
A lot of people don’t realize how important the actual air conditioner installation is. This is not a place to cut any corners, because the overall energy-efficiency performance of your unit and its lifespan is heavily impacted by its installation. In other words, an AC system that is not properly installed will waste energy and likely need to be replaced before one that is. When you consider the high cost of your system, it is worth it to pay someone to make sure it is properly installed so you won’t be looking at a second air conditioner installation in the next few decades.
How Much Does Air Conditioner Installation Cost?
The number one question that Fort Worth, TX customers have for us is how much will air conditioner installation cost. It is understandable that everyone wants to know how much to budget for, but it is impossible to give a quote without actually seeing the system and your home. Different systems have different needs and the size of your home and the AC system you need to have installed will impact the time it takes and your estimate. If you want to know how much it will cost to replace or install a new AC unit, the best thing you can do is schedule a consultation with an HVAC technician.
Factors That Decide If It’s Time for Air Conditioner Installation
Still, trying to decide whether or not it is time for a new air conditioner installation? There are a few clear signs that now is the time if you are on the edge of buying a new unit or sticking with the old unit. Here are a few things that you should look for if you think that a new AC unit is in your future. Keep in mind that your HVAC tech can be a great source of information and advice. If you are not sure what to do, ask the tech during your next annual service or consider scheduling an annual service so that you can get their honest opinion.
Age of your AC System
One of the biggest factors that influence the final decision to replace an AC unit is the age of the current system. AC units last on average for about 15-20 years, while older models last for 10-15 years. If your AC is starting to push these boundaries and needs a lot of repairs, then it only makes sense to go ahead with a new air conditioner installation. You can push the date out, but chances are that your AC is going to break down and need to be replaced. You don’t want to have the breakdown occur in the middle of the hot Fort Worth, TX summer. It can take up to 2 weeks to get a new unit ordered, delivered, and finally the actual air conditioner installation and the hot summer is not the time to deal with it.
In addition, even if your system is still functioning, if it is getting along in age it is probably not half as efficient as it used to be. This means you will end up paying more in energy costs every month and keeping your old unit might end up costing you more than just making the move and installing a new unit.
Your AC Unit Constantly Needs to be Repaired
Are you on your second or third repair of this year? If you keep having to make repairs on your AC unit then this is a sign the unit is starting to wear out. There is no way to avoid the normal daily wear and tear that occurs as your AC unit starts to age. Repairing one piece may not seem like a big deal, but when you need to repair another piece soon after and then another it becomes a chain reaction that you want to get out of.
In the same way that it is not a good idea to keep sinking money into a used car that keeps breaking down, it is not a good idea to keep sinking money into an old AC unit when you could put that money towards a new system. Before making any repairs you always need to compare the price of your AC unit with the price of repair and decide which is the better choice. This is a good time to ask for advice from an HVAC technician as well since they have seen the inside of your AC unit and may be able to offer you advice about other pieces that may or may not be getting close to repair as well.
Odd Smells
Your AC should not have any smell, and the air in your home should be free of smells as well. If you start to notice odd odors it may be a sign that your unit is starting to die out. For instance, a foul or smoky smell can be a sign that the wire insulation in the AC unit is starting to burn out which is a dangerous situation. You never want to ignore a smoky or electrical smell. If you notice this, then you need to call an HVAC company and have a technician thoroughly inspect your unit before you turn it back on. They can let you know at this point if it is time for a new air conditioner installation.
On the other hand, another bad smell that is alarming is an old musty smell. If you live in an older home that has always had a musty smell this can be an indication that you need to hire a duct cleaning service to get old mold and mildew out of your air ducts. However, if the smell doesn’t go away or comes back this may be a sign that your AC unit is not properly working and allowing the air to get humid enough to grow mold or mildew.
Your Energy Bill Keeps Creeping Upwards
If you notice that your energy bill is getting higher and higher this can be a sign that it is time to take a second look at air conditioner installation. It is normal for energy bills to rise during the Fort Worth, TX summers because of the harsh heat, but you should know on average how much the jump should be. If it seems like you are paying more this year than you ever did before, it may be time to take a closer look at your AC system. As mentioned earlier, over time AC units become less efficient and it may be worth it to install a new system that will help you save money. Your AC is a big part of daily life in Texas, so it’s not a bad idea to carefully consider all of your options.
How to Prepare for Air Conditioner Installation
Once you decide to take the plunge and install a new AC, you have to get your home ready for the HVAC technicians. You should expect the process to take anywhere from four to eight hours, so it’s best not to make any plans for the day. There are a few things that you can do to prepare for the HVAC technicians to help make the air conditioner installation a bit quicker.
First of all, you need to make sure that your AC system is accessible to your indoor and outdoor units. If your unit sits by the driveway outdoors, make sure that you move any vehicles so that the HVAC technician can drive right up to the slab to remove and install the new unit. You also need to make sure that they can get to the indoor unit without any trouble. This usually means making at least a four-foot path from your doorway to the basement or location of your HVAC unit. You need to make sure they have plenty of room to work.
Finally, if you have a pet in your home you will want to take them to a friend or neighbor or keep them safely locked up in a crate for their own good. The HVAC technicians will need to frequently enter and leave your home, so even a well-behaved dog may be able to escape.
What to Expect During Air Conditioner Installation
The process is lengthy but does not require anything from you once the pathways are created. The HVAC technicians will first remove the old unit and then will start to install the new one. Usually, they will work from the outside in and complete the process by connecting the new unit to the thermostat. Once the air conditioner installation is complete they will run the system for at least ten minutes to ensure it is cooling correctly.
If you are ready to schedule an air conditioner installation give One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth a call and we can help you get set up.
As a homeowner, it is easy to take certain things for granted. For example, you may have always had AC in your home, so you may not have thought about it too much. Eventually, however, your AC may start to malfunction, at which point you will need to think about whether or not it is worth it to keep putting money in it or consider a new air conditioner installation in Fort Worth, TX. Repairing your old system is certainly going to be the cheaper route, but if you have to keep repairing it over the next couple of years it may not be the best route to take.
Before jumping into a new air conditioner installation however it may be good to take a step back and think about what you are really getting into. Unless you have dealt with this task before, the idea of replacing your entire unit and putting in a new one may seem foreign to you. There are a lot of factors that go into determining what your new system should look like, so it is best to approach a new AC with the help of a trained HVAC technician that can make sure you get the right model for your home.
How to Choose Your New AC System
As mentioned, there are a lot of things that you need to decide before jumping into an air conditioner installation. First off, you need to assess what unit size your home requires. This can be done by measuring square footage and assessing your current HVAC system. If you don’t plan on replacing the furnace as well you need to make sure that your unit matches the unit you have. You also need to take a close look at your ductwork system to determine how much energy and force the new AC will need.
Fort Worth, TX is a warmer climate, so choosing the right AC system is very important, especially if you want an energy-efficient model. It is a safe bet that your AC will be on for weeks at a time, so you need an AC that can do its job without expending extra energy. One that draws a lower amount of energy is also a good idea given the energy grid issues in Texas. Finally, you need a system that can meet all of the above requirements and still meet your budget.
That last step can be the hardest because an AC system is not cheap, and getting a system that is a good value and fit for your home comes at a cost. It can be hard to navigate all of these factors on your own which is why the best bet is always to work with a professional HVAC technician in Fort Worth, TX who can help talk you through the various features of newer AC systems and help you decide what you really need and what you don’t. You will also need a professional to help with air conditioner installation.
A lot of people don’t realize how important the actual air conditioner installation is. This is not a place to cut any corners, because the overall energy-efficiency performance of your unit and its lifespan is heavily impacted by its installation. In other words, an AC system that is not properly installed will waste energy and likely need to be replaced before one that is. When you consider the high cost of your system, it is worth it to pay someone to make sure it is properly installed so you won’t be looking at a second air conditioner installation in the next few decades.
How Much Does Air Conditioner Installation Cost?
The number one question that Fort Worth, TX customers have for us is how much will air conditioner installation cost. It is understandable that everyone wants to know how much to budget for, but it is impossible to give a quote without actually seeing the system and your home. Different systems have different needs and the size of your home and the AC system you need to have installed will impact the time it takes and your estimate. If you want to know how much it will cost to replace or install a new AC unit, the best thing you can do is schedule a consultation with an HVAC technician.
Factors That Decide If It’s Time for Air Conditioner Installation
Still, trying to decide whether or not it is time for a new air conditioner installation? There are a few clear signs that now is the time if you are on the edge of buying a new unit or sticking with the old unit. Here are a few things that you should look for if you think that a new AC unit is in your future. Keep in mind that your HVAC tech can be a great source of information and advice. If you are not sure what to do, ask the tech during your next annual service or consider scheduling an annual service so that you can get their honest opinion.
Age of Your AC System
One of the biggest factors that influence the final decision to replace an AC unit is the age of the current system. AC units last on average for about 15-20 years, while older models last for 10-15 years. If your AC is starting to push these boundaries and needs a lot of repairs, then it only makes sense to go ahead with a new air conditioner installation. You can push the date out, but chances are that your AC is going to break down and need to be replaced. You don’t want to have the breakdown occur in the middle of the hot Fort Worth, TX summer. It can take up to 2 weeks to get a new unit ordered, delivered, and finally the actual air conditioner installation and the hot summer is not the time to deal with it.
In addition, even if your system is still functioning, if it is getting along in age it is probably not half as efficient as it used to be. This means you will end up paying more in energy costs every month and keeping your old unit might end up costing you more than just making the move and installing a new unit.
Your AC Unit Constantly Needs to Be Repaired
Are you on your second or third repair of this year? If you keep having to make repairs on your AC unit then this is a sign the unit is starting to wear out. There is no way to avoid the normal daily wear and tear that occurs as your AC unit starts to age. Repairing one piece may not seem like a big deal, but when you need to repair another piece soon after and then another it becomes a chain reaction that you want to get out of.
In the same way that it is not a good idea to keep sinking money into a used car that keeps breaking down, it is not a good idea to keep sinking money into an old AC unit when you could put that money towards a new system. Before making any repairs you always need to compare the price of your AC unit with the price of repair and decide which is the better choice. This is a good time to ask for advice from an HVAC technician as well since they have seen the inside of your AC unit and may be able to offer you advice about other pieces that may or may not be getting close to repair as well.
Odd Smells
Your AC should not have any smell, and the air in your home should be free of smells as well. If you start to notice odd odors it may be a sign that your unit is starting to die out. For instance, a foul or smoky smell can be a sign that the wire insulation in the AC unit is starting to burn out which is a dangerous situation. You never want to ignore a smoky or electrical smell. If you notice this, then you need to call an HVAC company and have a technician thoroughly inspect your unit before you turn it back on. They can let you know at this point if it is time for a new air conditioner installation.
On the other hand, another bad smell that is alarming is an old musty smell. If you live in an older home that has always had a musty smell this can be an indication that you need to hire a duct cleaning service to get old mold and mildew out of your air ducts. However, if the smell doesn’t go away or comes back this may be a sign that your AC unit is not properly working and allowing the air to get humid enough to grow mold or mildew.
Your Energy Bill Keeps Creeping Upwards
If you notice that your energy bill is getting higher and higher this can be a sign that it is time to take a second look at air conditioner installation. It is normal for energy bills to rise during the Fort Worth, TX summers because of the harsh heat, but you should know on average how much the jump should be. If it seems like you are paying more this year than you ever did before, it may be time to take a closer look at your AC system. As mentioned earlier, over time AC units become less efficient and it may be worth it to install a new system that will help you save money. Your AC is a big part of daily life in Texas, so it’s not a bad idea to carefully consider all of your options.
How to Prepare for Air Conditioner Installation
Once you decide to take the plunge and install a new AC, you have to get your home ready for the HVAC technicians. You should expect the process to take anywhere from four to eight hours, so it’s best not to make any plans for the day. There are a few things that you can do to prepare for the HVAC technicians to help make the air conditioner installation a bit quicker.
First of all, you need to make sure that your AC system is accessible to your indoor and outdoor units. If your unit sits by the driveway outdoors, make sure that you move any vehicles so that the HVAC technician can drive right up to the slab to remove and install the new unit. You also need to make sure that they can get to the indoor unit without any trouble. This usually means making at least a four-foot path from your doorway to the basement or location of your HVAC unit. You need to make sure they have plenty of room to work.
Finally, if you have a pet in your home you will want to take them to a friend or neighbor or keep them safely locked up in a crate for their own good. The HVAC technicians will need to frequently enter and leave your home, so even a well-behaved dog may be able to escape.
What to Expect During Air Conditioner Installation
The process is lengthy but does not require anything from you once the pathways are created. The HVAC technicians will first remove the old unit and then will start to install the new one. Usually, they will work from the outside in and complete the process by connecting the new unit to the thermostat. Once the air conditioner installation is complete they will run the system for at least ten minutes to ensure it is cooling correctly.
If you are ready to schedule an air conditioner installation give One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth a call and we can help you get set up.