What To Consider Before A Central Air Conditioner Installation In Fort Worth, TX
There was a time when only wealthy people could afford air conditioning. Today, you don’t have to be rich to keep your house cool, and air conditioners are much more affordable. Many people use window air conditioners to keep their homes cool, and if you currently use window units, you have to deal with the following issues:
- The units must be installed at the beginning of the cooling season and removed at the end. Window units are heavy, so the installation and removal can be daunting and time-consuming.
- You must find a place large enough to store the window units when they aren’t used.
- Window units cool one room, so you must keep the door closed to keep the room cool. If you’re cooling a room without a door, such as a kitchen or living room, you must hang a sheet or blanket in the doorway to keep the room cool.
- Window units can be noisy, making it challenging to hear the TV, and the noise can be distracting.
If you’re tired of the hassles associated with window units, you should consider a central air conditioner installation. Central air conditioning systems don’t have to be installed and removed, and you can simply press a button to turn it on and off. Because the unit doesn’t have to be removed at the end of the cooling season, you won’t need a place to store it, freeing up room in your home. Also, the unit will cool the entire house, so you won’t have to keep the doors closed or use blankets to keep the room cool. Finally, central units run quietly, and you’ll only hear a faint clicking when the unit cycles.
If you plan to install a central air conditioner in your home, there are plenty of things you must consider first, and a professional in air conditioner installation can help if needed.
Make a Budget
The first thing you must do before any home improvement project is to create a budget. You should review your finances to determine how much you have to spend on the project and create a budget to prevent you from spending more than you can afford.
You must include the unit cost, the installation fee, and installing or repairing ductwork in the budget. If you aren’t sure how much each service will cost, an HVAC tech can help, and they can help you create an accurate budget to move forward with the project.
Installation Locations
You have to decide where to install the indoor unit and the outdoor compressor before the day of your air conditioner installation. If you haven’t decided where to install the units ahead of time, the project will take longer.
The basement is the best place for the indoor unit because it’s the coolest part of the house during the summer, and you won’t have to worry about it overheating. Also, there has to be enough room in the area to move around, so HVAC techs can easily reach the unit for routine maintenance.
The outdoor compressor should be installed in a shady area of your yard. If the sun beats down on the compressor all day, it can overheat and shut down, preventing the air conditioner from producing cold air. It should also be placed away from bushes and shrubs to prevent damage. If your outdoor plants get caught in the compressor’s fan, it can cause damage that will be expensive to repair.
If you need help selecting the best places to install the units, a professional in air conditioner installation can help.
Quality
Now that you have a budget and have chosen where to install the indoor unit and compressor, it’s time to buy a unit. You may be tempted to buy the least expensive unit you can find to save money, but cheaper units are low-quality. You can save money initially, but lower-quality air conditioners often require frequent repairs, which can add up over time. Also, lower-quality units often have short lifespans.
High-quality units require fewer repairs and last longer and are the more cost-effective option. If you aren’t sure if a unit is high or low quality, the air conditioner installation tech can help you find a quality unit that won’t put you over budget.
Size
You must buy the correct size air conditioner based on your home’s square footage. If you buy a unit that’s too small for your home, it will struggle to keep your home cool and must consume more energy. This will cause your energy bills to increase, and it will cost more to run the unit.
Buying a unit that’s too big for your house can be expensive to run. Large units consume more energy, and you’ll waste money if you choose a unit that is too large. Also, the air conditioner will cool your home quickly and cycle too frequently, making it difficult for the unit to eliminate the humidity.
If you need help determining which size unit is best for your home, the tech handling the air conditioner installation can help you select the unit that best fits your home.
Energy Efficiency
When shopping for an air conditioner, choosing an energy-efficient model is best. The air conditioner installation will be expensive, so you want to buy a unit that will be the cheapest to run.
You can determine a unit’s energy efficiency by looking at the unit’s Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio (SEER). The SEER calculates the energy efficiency of the air conditioner at various temperatures, including the high and low of your home’s cooling pattern. You also must consider the Energy Efficient Ratio (EER), which is the efficiency of the unit at peak cooling times and is calculated at one peak temperature. The higher the EER and SEER ratings, the more energy-efficient the unit will be. Air conditioner installation professionals recommend units with an EER of 14 or higher and now lower than 11. The SEER should be at least 13, but the higher, the better.
If you buy an energy-efficient air conditioner, you’ll be eligible for tax credits and rebates that will save money on the cost of the unit. Although energy-efficient units are more expensive, the rebates and tax credits will offset some of the cost.
An HVAC tech can help you choose an energy-efficient unit that won’t exceed your budget.
Ductwork
Ductwork is an essential part of your air conditioning system. The cold air moves from the unit, through the ducts, and to the vents throughout your home. If your house once had a central air conditioning system that has since been removed, there would be existing ductwork. You can’t be sure that ducts are in good condition, so an HVAC tech must inspect them. If the ducts are damaged, the tech can fix the damage before installing the unit to ensure it cools the house. If there has never been a central air conditioning system in your home, the ducts must be installed.
Installing the ducts can add $1,900 to $6,000 to the installation cost, depending on the size of your house. Also, the installation will add two or three days to the length of the project.
An HVAC tech can tell you how much it will cost to install the duct and how long it will take.
Additional Equipment
Your air conditioner will function well on its own, but you can install additional equipment to improve its performance and convenience and extend its lifespan. The HVAC tech can install the additional equipment when they install the unit, and your options include the following:
- Wi-Fi or Smart thermostats: A Wi-Fi thermostat can save money on your energy bills because the unit won’t have to run at full blast all day and night. You can adjust the thermostat setting from your smartphone from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. You can turn down the unit when everyone leaves the house for the day, so it consumes less energy. You can also turn it up before you head home so your house is cool when you arrive.
- Smart thermostats work with Google Nest or Amazon Alexa, and you can control the thermostat with the sound of your voice when you’re home. You can control it using the smart device’s app when you aren’t,
- Programmable thermostats can save money on your energy bills, but Wi-Fi and smart thermostats are more convenient.
- Zoning systems: Your cooling needs are different in every part of your home. For example, your bedrooms don’t have to be cool when everyone is in the common areas during the day. The kitchen needs more air conditioning because it can get very hot when you cook.
- A zoning system will treat every area of the home as an individual environment, allowing you to customize and control the temperature in each part of the house, and it will be cheaper to cool your home.
- UV lamp: It’s not uncommon for bacteria and mold to form on the drain pan and the unit’s indoor coils. This can create a health hazard, and it can be challenging to eliminate mold from the air conditioner. If an HVAC tech cannot remove every mold spore from the unit, it must be replaced.
- The tech can install a UV lamp that fights inside the system to kill bacteria and mold before it becomes a problem.
- Air purifier: Your windows must stay closed when the AC runs, so you can’t let fresh air inside. If you’re worried about your family breathing the same air that’s been recycled repeatedly, you can install an air purifier. The purifier can do much more than the air filter and can capture 95 percent of organisms .30 microns or larger and 75 percent of organisms .30 microns or smaller in size. When the air purifier is installed, you’ll have peace of mind that the air in your home is safe to breathe.
The HVAC tech can discuss the benefits of the additional equipment and the cost.
Routine Maintenance
When your new air conditioner is installed, you must have it maintained regularly. HVAC techs recommend maintaining air conditioners every year before the cooling season begins.
The tech will tune up the unit to ensure it functions as efficiently as possible. They can also be a minor problem before it escalates to something more serious that will cost more to repair. Also, routine maintenance will increase the unit’s lifespan, and neglecting maintenance will decrease the unit’s lifespan and can cause frequent issues that require expensive repairs.
The tech will charge you to maintain the unit, but it’s worth it in the long run.
Call One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth
If you’re planning an air conditioner installation and need to speak to an HVAC tech, look no further than One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth. We’re a full-service HVAC company, proudly serving customers in the area since 1988. Many of our customers have been working with us for two and three decades, thanks to the excellent service we provide.
Our HVAC techs are professionally trained, licensed, and insured, and their knowledge and skill have allowed them to tackle some of the most challenging jobs in the industry. Our techs receive ongoing training to ensure they can work on the latest HVAC technology. HVAC technology is constantly evolving, and we want to be sure our techs can install, maintain and repair the newest models.
If an HVAC problem develops that could put your home and family at risk, you don’t have to panic. We provide emergency service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and we’ll get a tech to your home quickly to resolve the problem.
As mentioned above, installing new equipment can make you eligible for rebates and tax credits. Our highly knowledgeable staff can give you the information you need to take advantage of the credits and rebates, saving money on the final cost of installation.
If you need to schedule an HVAC service appointment, call us today.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
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Should I Call a Heating and AC Repair Company?
Is your house feeling more like a sauna than a cozy abode? Or perhaps your home is freezing over like a winter wonderland? Before you start to panic and break out the flip-flops, it’s time to consider calling a heating and AC repair company. As much as we’d love to think we’re handy with a wrench and duct tape, HVAC systems are complex beasts that require professional care. This article will explore the signs that indicate it’s time to call in the experts, the benefits of hiring a heating and AC repair company, and how to choose a reputable one.
Signs Your HVAC System Needs Repair
Your Unit Blows Warm Air
An HVAC system that only produces warm air is of no use at all. The most common causes of this issue are blocked return vents, filthy condenser coils, and clogged air filters. Other causes of this problem include:
- Low refrigerant levels: Refrigerant is essential for air conditioning. No cold air will come from your vents if the refrigerant leaks from your unit and escapes into the environment. If your home’s evaporator coils are frozen over, but warm air is still circulating, you likely have a refrigerant leak.
- Damaged air ducts: If there is a large enough hole in your home’s ductwork, warm air could escape through your vents. Your home’s ducts are designed to distribute cold air throughout the space, but a leak in the system can cause uncooled air to mix with the conditioned air.
- Malfunctioning thermostat: If the thermostat is broken, the HVAC system will blow hot air. The first thing you should do is check to see if someone has changed the thermostat settings. If that’s not the case, you should contact a heating and AC repair company.
Poor Airflow
Nothing is more annoying than an air conditioner that never produces full-force airflow. If you put your hand over a vent and feel cold air, but the air doesn’t seem to be moving around the room, you may need to get your air conditioner serviced. The problem probably lies in the air conditioner’s compressor, but the ductwork could also be to blame.
Strange Noises
Although it is typical for HVAC systems to make some noise, certain sounds warrant a call to a heating and AC repair company. These include the following:
- Screeching sound: Metal-on-metal screeching could be caused by worn bearings in the fan motor. The fan will need to be replaced or repaired.
- Banging noise: A banging sound from your air conditioner is typically caused by issues with the compressor. Designed to transport refrigerant across your HVAC system, this element is essential for getting rid of excessive indoor heat. Loose parts inside the compressor are a common sign that your central AC is in its middle or late stages of life.
- Clicking sound: A clicking sound from your air conditioner at the start and finish of your cooling cycles is to be expected, but a constant clicking sound is not. A broken thermostat could be the cause of that noise. Since replacing a thermostat is not a simple task, you should seek the assistance of an HVAC repair pro.
- Hissing noise: A hissing noise from your air conditioner could indicate a mild to serious air duct leak. Possible causes of this noise include an incompatible air filter or a faulty expansion valve.
Strange Odors
If you notice an unusual odor emanating from your vents when you turn on your heating and air conditioning system, you may need to have it checked out by a professional. A strong odor could indicate that your unit’s wiring insulation needs to be repaired. If you detect a mildew odor, it could mean mold has started growing inside the machine. Protect your health and the health of your loved ones by calling a heating and AC repair company immediately.
High Energy Bills
If you notice a spike in your utility costs, it may be time to have your heating and cooling system inspected by a professional. Possible causes include the following:
- Faulty installation: Incorrectly installed HVAC systems can lead to various issues. In addition to a rise in utility costs, you may be subject to more frequent breakdowns and less-than-optimal cooling performance.
- Failing components: Inevitably, the system’s efficiency will decrease due to the deterioration of individual parts like compressors, motors, and capacitors.
- Leaky air ducts: When cool air escapes through cracks or gaps in the ductwork, the cooling system has to work harder than necessary. Get a professional to inspect the ductwork.
Refrigerant Leak
Your air conditioner uses refrigerant to cool your home, which could result in condensation. But there should be no water buildup or refrigerant leakage within your house. If you see this problem, contact a heating and AC repair company immediately.
Benefits of Hiring an AC Repair Company
They Are Experienced
One of the best reasons to hire a professional heating and AC repair firm is so that you can take advantage of their knowledge and skills. Repairing an HVAC system yourself if you aren’t a skilled professional is usually more trouble than it’s worth. If you try to fix your home’s HVAC system yourself, you could do more harm than good.
However, when you work with a competent HVAC repair firm, you can feel confident that your HVAC system is safe. These professionals can quickly diagnose and repair any issue with your HVAC system. Additionally, they are equipped with the proper tools and equipment to repair your system safely.
They Can Spot Other Issues
When you call in the pros for HVAC repair, they’ll be on the lookout for more than just the immediate problem you’re having with your system. They’ll check for any potential problems that may be lurking beneath the surface. In the long run, this could prevent a great deal of stress and expense.
A major problem that HVAC repair experts encounter is dust and debris accumulation. This can lead to various issues, from performance degradation to total system failure. If you clean your HVAC system regularly, you can avoid these problems.
They Offer Warranties and Guarantees
There are a lot of AC repair services that offer guarantees and warranties on their work. Look for a company that will stand behind their work for at least 30 days after completion with a warranty on components and labor and a guarantee against faulty repairs.
Safety
You probably won’t know what you’re doing if you don’t have the proper certifications and training. Even if you research the topic thoroughly and watch instructional videos, there is always the chance that something may go wrong, and you won’t know how to fix it.
On the other hand, hiring an air conditioning expert will ensure that the task is completed successfully and without risk to everybody involved.
They Can Handle Emergencies Quickly
Problems tend to pop up when you least expect them, which is incredibly frustrating in the heat of summer when all you want to do is sit in front of an air conditioning vent and cool off. If your air conditioner or heater breaks down in the middle of summer, you’ll be glad you have someone on call or readily available to help you.
Connections With Suppliers
Professional HVAC repair services work with AC systems regularly, so they have developed relationships with reliable local suppliers. Consequently, they will have easy access to the required components without paying exorbitant prices.
In addition, most AC repair companies have the specialized tools and equipment to fix your system correctly. The typical homeowner cannot access tools like digital multimeters or soldering irons.
How To Choose a Reputable AC Repair Company
Consider Experience
Hiring an experienced and reputable heating and AC repair company is important. If a business has survived for several years, it must be doing something well. It has been around for a while. Therefore it has the kind of practical know-how that newer firms lack. If a firm has been around for a while, it has figured out how to serve its clients best and has streamlined its operations.
Referrals and Reviews
If you don’t know where to start looking for AC repair, ask friends, family members, or other loved ones if they can make a referral. Try asking for a recommendation from someone who has had successful HVAC repairs. They can give you a rundown of where they went and who they dealt with to get things fixed.
You can then use this information to dig deeper into the company they recommended. The internet has made it simple for current and former clients to voice their opinions about a company’s products and services. You don’t have to merely trust the endorsements or testimonials you find on a contractor’s website.
An online search for the company’s name can reveal customers’ major issues or complaints. You can also check their social media pages (like Facebook or Twitter) to see if they respond to and address customer comments and issues.
It can mutually benefit you and the recommender to inform the service provider that you learned about them through a referral. You might receive additional discounts or offers from the business.
License and Insurance
It is essential to ensure that a heating and AC repair firm is licensed and insured. A license indicates that the company has met the minimum requirements set by the state or local authorities, which means they have the necessary knowledge and skills to repair your AC safely and correctly. It also means they are legally allowed to operate in the area, and you can trust them to comply with local laws and regulations.
Insurance protects you and your property from any damages or accidents during the repair process. If an uninsured technician damages your HVAC system or home or injures themselves while working on your property, you may be liable for the costs. However, if the contractor is insured, the policy will cover any damages or injuries, protecting you from financial losses.
Get a Written Estimate
The vast majority of HVAC service companies will give you a free quote. Make sure the quote you receive is both written and detailed.
You can learn a lot about a contractor’s reliability and openness to dialogue by seeing how they handle the estimating process. Will they come to your house to do the assessment? Is there a guarantee that they will not go over budget? These are some of the questions you should consider.
Ask About The Repair Process
Ask the AC repair service provider about the repair process. Stay away from any air conditioning repair service that claims they can help without seeing your AC system. Due to the air conditioner being such a complex mechanism, professional HVAC technicians will not offer remedies without first evaluating the device.
A clogged air filter, unclean air ducts, or a faulty compressor could be the cause of your air conditioner’s performance or efficiency problems. The only way to get to the root of the problem is to inspect the AC.
Ask As Many Questions as Possible
When contacting a heating and AC repair company, be as thorough as possible in your questioning. No matter your question’s complexity, they will give you the required information. They will provide open and honest solutions based on their years of expertise and customer input.
It is essential to ask the right questions before deciding on a service business, whether you have a basic HVAC issue or a technical question about their contract. Put your queries in writing and bring them up when you call the company. Pay attention to how they answer your questions. Do they seem annoyed? Do your questions confuse them? If your questions annoy them and they offer rude responses, it indicates the level of service you can expect.
Hire a Reputable AC Repair Company Like One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating
It’s essential to pay attention to the signs that indicate your HVAC system needs professional attention. Strange noises, uneven cooling or heating, higher energy bills, foul smells, and poor air quality are all red flags that shouldn’t be ignored. While homeowners can do regular maintenance and cleaning, more complex issues require the expertise of a heating and AC repair company. By choosing a reputable business, you can ensure that your HVAC system is in good hands.
If you need HVAC repair, look no further than One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing top-notch service and keeping your home comfortable. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and experience the difference our team can make!
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
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Condensate Drain Pan Issues An AC Repair Company Will Inspect Your Air Conditioner For
The condensate drain pan is one of the less-known parts of your cooling and heating system. It allows the moisture to leave your air conditioning system and home safely. An appropriately functioning condensate drain pan protects your heating and air conditioning system and home against water damage. Unfortunately, even this component of your air conditioning system also experiences issues that require you to call an AC repair company for further inspection and repair. This article will cover the workings of the condensate drain pan and problems that require you to call a professional for further inspection.
Understanding the Condensate Drain Pan
When running, your cooling and heating equipment generates condensation. When the cooling process starts, the evaporator coils in the indoor unit of your air conditioning system become cold. As a result, they absorb heat from the air overflowing them, cooling it before it is blown across to your home. The warm air which enters your air conditioning system from indoors is moist. However, that moisture is eliminated as the evaporator coils transfer heat.
As the air conditioner extracts moisture from the indoor air during heat transfer, condensation forms along the evaporator coils. The condensate drain pan collects the water as it drips from the evaporator coils of your air conditioner. The drain pan is usually attached below the evaporator coils. You should always ensure that a technician checks it during the air conditioning service to ensure it is fitted correctly to catch all the moisture without leaking. Starting from the condensate drain pan, excessive moisture from your indoor air exits your home, and the cooling process gives you the added benefit of indoor dehumidification.
Where’s the Condensate Drain Pan?
Because of the nature of working the condensate drain pan, it’s always positioned under your AC unit’s evaporator coils. The location of these components depends on the air handler or furnace type installed at your home. In vertical applications, the air handler or furnace is upright. Typically, they are installed in a dedicated utility closet or your home’s garage. In this configuration, the evaporator coils are located at the top of the handler.
An AC repair company installs the air handler or furnace in horizontal applications. This configuration is usually seen when the unit is placed in an attic because of the limited space available based on the roof pitch. The airflow moves from one side to the next rather than up and down in this configuration. The condensate drain pan is located right below it, with the evaporator coils installed beside the air handler or furnace close to the return air ducts.
How Condensate Drain Pans Work When They Are Two
Do you have a horizontally installed air handler or furnace in your home’s attic but notice the unit has another condensate drain pan? Your system doesn’t need to have two pans to operate correctly. The second condensate drain pan is a backup that provides additional protection. The condensate drain pan poses a considerable risk of water damage, especially in horizontal air conditioning systems. With the AC unit positioned by its side, failure of the condensate drain pan means that water will drip across the air conditioning unit rather than funneling to a general location, as happens with vertical units.
Water leakage from a faulty horizontal AC unit’s condensate drain pan damages the wood, ceiling, insulation, and drywall. How does the condensate drain pan work if its secondary component catches water that might leak across the air conditioner if the primary pan fails? Since it also has a dedicated drain line, it will catch the spilled condensation and direct it from your home, preventing damage.
Condensate Drain Pan Issues
As mentioned above, the condensate drain pans also experience issues. This is why some units have backup drain pans. However, drain pan issues often results in AC unit and water damage. To avert this, it is recommended that you have a regular air conditioning service where your AC repair company can inspect the system and address any underlying issues. During the inspection, the professionals will check for issues like;
Misalignment
If the drain pan is not fitted within the AC unit correctly, the water will leak outside the air conditioner. This results in water damage to areas surrounding it if ignored. The professional will align the pan to ensure condensate drips into the pan without overflowing.
Clogs
Because of the moist environment, mildew and mold might grow. Such contaminants and particles in the air will clog the drain pan. Unfortunately, this stops the moisture flow into the drain lines and off your home, impeding the working of the condensate drain pan. When this happens, moisture backup arises. Based on the orientation of the air conditioning system, water could start backing up into the system. This results in AC component damage.
Similarly, water might spill over the drain pan’s edges and damage the area around your unit. Unfortunately, this will create favorable conditions for mold growth and other water damage. Thus, it is recommended that you enlist an AC repair company for a regular maintenance service that will capture such issues before they worsen.
Damage
Because of how the condensate drain pan works, it sometimes experiences wears-and-tears like any other air conditioner component. These damages allow water to leak. The most obvious sign that the drain pan is damaged is water or even water damage around the air conditioner. Other signs that the condensate drain pan may have suffered damage include the following;
- Odors from the air conditioner
- Higher levels of humidity at your home
- Increased energy utility bills
- Mold growth
- And when no water flows from the AC condensate drain line.
Contact Us For AC Tune-ups and Repairs
Do you have an issue with the working of your unit’s condensate drain pans? We can help. Contact us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth for any inspections, repairs, or air conditioning maintenance.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.
Photo By Victor Yarmolyuk at Shutterstock
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