Common Questions We Get Asked During Air Conditioner Installation | Dallas, TX
Whether you are looking to have your first AC unit installed or upgrading to a more efficient unit, you probably have some questions about the installation process. To offer you a deeper insight into AC installation, we’ve compiled a list of the common questions we get from homeowners during air conditioner installation in Dallas, TX. Read on to learn more.
How Often Should I Get My Air Conditioner Serviced?
Your air conditioner should be serviced at least once per year. We also advise that you perform preventative maintenance on your system by having it inspected three to four times annually.
How Do I Know Whether I Need to Replace My AC Unit?
Are you unsure whether you need air conditioner installation before the warm weather hits? Here are some of the signs to look out for:
- Your AC unit is old: There is no getting around the reality that older A/C units are not as energy efficient as the latest ones on the market today. Energy Star recommends replacing an A/C unit if it is older than ten years and strongly suggests doing so if it is older than 15 years, as this is the typical lifespan for such cooling appliances. If your A/C unit is older than ten years, it may be time for air conditioner installation.
- Your AC needs frequent repairs: Does the air conditioner need constant repairs? If you answered yes, it might be time to get a new air conditioner. Otherwise, it’s better to repair. If the cost of repairs exceeds half the price of a new air conditioner, it may be time to get in touch with One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas for air conditioner installation.
- The AC unit isn’t cooling the house like it once did: Perhaps it goes without saying, but if your air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air, something is amiss. There could be a lot of causes, such as insufficient Freon or a malfunctioning compressor. Put in a call to us and let our technicians take a look at the AC unit. If the damage is extensive, it may be better to replace the unit.
- High utility bills: Air conditioners account for approximately 46% of the average household’s energy bill, costing over $100 per month. AC units lose efficiency as they age. Using an air conditioner with a rating of 15 Seer or above will cut your energy costs in half, and using one with a rating of 20 Seer or higher can cut them by even more. You should consider air conditioner installation if the one you have has a rating of 11 Seer or less.
What Factors Should I Consider Before AC Installation?
Air conditioners are essential for maintaining a suitable indoor temperature during the hot summer months in Dallas, TX. However, you should consider the following factors before air conditioner installation:
- Your home’s square footage will dictate the type and size of the air conditioner you require. A stronger AC unit will be needed for a larger residence.
- Climate: Also consider the climate when looking for an air conditioner. To keep cool in a hot place like Dallas, TX, you’ll need a different air conditioner than if you live in an area with a cooler climate.
- Budget: When looking for an air conditioner, it’s crucial to keep your budget in mind because prices might range greatly.
- Features: Air conditioners can include a variety of functions, including timers, energy efficiency, and remote control. Determine which features are the most crucial to you, then look for an AC unit with those features.
How Often Should I Change My Air Filters?
Our technicians are regularly asked this question during air conditioner installation. You need to change the air filters regularly to enhance the performance of your air conditioner. Typically, one should change their air filter at least once a month. However, other factors may influence how often you should change your air filters. These include:
- Where you live (is it a dusty place?)
- Whether you have any pets
- Other contaminants
Should I Get a Central Air Conditioner System?
It depends. A centralized HVAC system is a convenient addition to any house. Ultimately, it comes down to your cooling needs. Dallas, TX has scorching summers and frigid winters. For this reason, you should consider installing a central air conditioner system.
However, you must consider the duct system, filters, furnace, air conditioner and installation expenses. This isn’t something you can do on your own. Therefore, you should contact a professional air conditioner installation service with the requisite knowledge and expertise.
You should have a professional check out your home first. Based on your requirements, they will recommend the most effective cooling system.
What Does SEER Rating Mean?
Using the SEER rating, homeowners can compare the efficiency of one AC unit to another. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) measures how effectively an air conditioner cools a room in relation to the amount of electricity it consumes. It is the ratio of cooling output to power input for a given cooling system. The more efficient an air conditioner is, the higher the SEER rating should be.
The United States Department of Energy (DOE) reports that your home’s HVAC system is the primary consumer of electricity. Consequently, you should consider the SEER rating before air conditioner installation.
Residential air-conditioning systems manufactured after January 1, 2015, are required by the U.S. EPA to have a minimum SEER rating of 14, up from 13 for systems manufactured after January 23, 2006. The majority of current AC units have a SEER rating of 16. However, some exceptionally efficient systems have ratings as high as 23.
How Can I Reduce My Air Conditioning Energy Costs?
If you have an air conditioner, you can take several easy steps to lower your energy bills. Among these are:
- Limit your usage: Don’t let it run while you’re away from home or asleep.
- Get a smart thermostat: The best temperature inside your home can be maintained all day and all night with the help of a programmable thermostat.
- Regular cleaning and servicing: We often tell our clients during air conditioner installation and repair that an air conditioner performs optimally when serviced and cleaned regularly.
- Upgrade to a newer, more efficient model: Energy efficiency investments can yield a return on investment of two to three times the initial outlay, as stated by the U.S. EPA. By investing in a newer, more energy-efficient model, you can reduce your energy costs. Contact One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas for air conditioner installation.
- Economizers will detect when the outside air has reached a comfortable temperature and humidity level and then turn the unit off to save energy. If so, the air conditioner won’t be turned on, and the outside air will be used instead, saving money on utility bills.
How Long Does an AC Unit Last?
This is a common question we get during air conditioner installation in Dallas, TX. Every AC unit eventually has a shelf life. Sooner or later, an air conditioner will stop functioning. Or it might not work as well as it did the first time. In general, how long do air conditioners last?
A well-maintained and frequently serviced air conditioning equipment will typically last 10 to 15 years. Both large and small units can outlast their estimated lifespans. Service and maintenance frequency plays a role in this. There are machines whose lifespan is significantly shorter. What factors shorten or lengthen the lifespan of an air conditioner?
The longevity of an air conditioner depends on a variety of things, including:
- Size of the unit: An AC unit’s ability to effectively cool a room may be compromised if it is significantly smaller than the space it is meant to cool. Because the owner will probably need to modify the temperature to make the room cool, this reduces the unit’s efficiency. It is crucial to leave air conditioner installation to the pros so you get the correct unit size for your home.
- Installation: The deterioration of an AC unit is exacerbated by improper installation. Proper air conditioner installation is crucial. Not only will correct installation prevent early deterioration, but it will also ensure the AC unit functions more efficiently and has better airflow.
- Preventative maintenance: A/C units require maintenance from time to time. It’s similar to tending to a plant. It’s essential to do this regularly to avoid reducing the lifespan of your unit.
- Exposure to the elements: Since the outdoor unit is located outside, it is vulnerable to the elements. It is susceptible to atmospheric corrosion caused by snow, rain, mist, and other airborne corrosives. If the outdoor unit is damaged, it could reduce the lifespan of the entire unit.
- Incorrect cleaning: Cleaning is essential to the continued functioning of an AC unit. Using the wrong cleaning products or performing the procedure incorrectly just once can ruin your AC unit. To add insult to injury, it can cost you hundreds of dollars to call the professionals to finish the failed cleaning task.
- Thermostat: Some people with air conditioning units make the rookie mistake of setting the thermostat either too high or too low. Doing this can lead to early degeneration of your AC unit.
Can I Landscape Around My Air Conditioning Unit?
Your outdoor air conditioner unit will function better and be less noticeable if you landscape around it.
Keep plants at least two to three feet apart to ensure enough ventilation (and enough room for our techs to do their job during air conditioner installation or repair). Your unit’s condenser can be easily hidden among potted bushes or latticework.
Planting trees and bushes as part of a long-term landscaping design can help shield your property from the sun and wind during the warmer months.
Should I Get a Dehumidifier, Or Can My AC Eliminate Humidity?
If you’re worried about the moisture levels in your house, you have good reason to be. One of the most common reasons for poor indoor air quality is fluctuations in humidity, which can lead to mold growth, the transmission of airborne diseases, and even electronic equipment malfunction.
Humidity levels inside a building should be maintained between 40 and 60% to ensure the highest possible indoor air quality. Humidity levels in a typical house can be kept at the right levels with just a well-maintained air conditioner. If the humidity level in your home is off, contact us, and our technicians can adjust the humidistat or check if the AC unit needs maintenance.
What Can I Do to Increase the Lifespan of My AC Unit?
The best way to extend the lifespan of your AC unit is with professional air conditioner installation and maintenance. In addition, below are some simple measures you can take to put off expensive air-conditioning repairs for as long as possible.
- Don’t let the area around your outside AC unit get overrun with leaves and other garbage. This easy step keeps your air vents clean and stops dirt from clogging your HVAC system.
- Ensure that air grills and ductwork are not obstructed when arranging your furniture and installing carpets.
- Use shades and blinds on south and west-facing windows throughout the summer to block off heat.
- Reduce usage by using a programmed thermostat to turn the unit off when it is not in use
Is My System Leaking Refrigerant?
During air conditioner installation, our technicians often get asked this question by homeowners. Requiring annual refrigerant recharges is a sure sign of a leaking system. The inefficiency of a leaking system will show up in your monthly utility bills, and the yearly recharge expense will add insult to injury. Not only are you bearing the burden of these environmental expenditures, but nature is also. The ozone layer is severely harmed when refrigerant evaporates.
Pick an air conditioning service that uses cutting-edge equipment to detect refrigerant leaks in your system, saving you time and money compared to traditional approaches.
Leave It to the Pros
If you call Dallas, TX home, you know how crucial it is to have a dependable air conditioning system. Here, we’ve addressed some of the most frequently asked questions we get during air conditioner installation, so you can feel good about choosing us for your air conditioning needs. Feel free to visit our website, call us with any questions, or set up a consultation if you need further assistance after reading this post.
One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas is the company to call if you need air conditioner installation in Dallas, TX. If you’re looking for high-quality assistance at a reasonable price, look no further than our team of qualified professionals. Call us at 682-269-2786 today!
