Repairs Too Often? Time For An Air Conditioner Installation | Dallas, TX
Though once considered a luxury by some homeowners, air conditioning is necessary today, especially during the humid, hot summers in Dallas, TX. After a long and tiring day at work, most people would tell you that they are looking forward to unwinding in the comfort of their cool homes. Even the homeowners that don’t have an air conditioner are just counting down the days before they can schedule an appointment with a technician for an air conditioner installation.
If you already have an air conditioner at your home, you may not be worried about the scorching heat. You also might not be concerned about the unit, although several signs should make you. Like any other electrical appliance, your air conditioner gets old and starts having issues. You don’t want to find yourself baking in the hot summer waiting for a technician to come over for an AC unit repair, only to find that you need an air conditioner installation.
For this reason, it is better to take a proactive approach rather than a reactive one to ensure that you don’t suffer during those hot summer months. This includes having a licensed technician’s regular service check of your air conditioning unit. That maintenance inspection is far cheaper than replacing the air conditioner because a problem you neglected has failed the entire unit. An air conditioner isn’t a cheap appliance. It needs budgeting, meaning that if you need an air conditioner installation during the hot season, then your home’s comfort and finances might take a blow.
Signs That You Should Have an AC Installation Service
Below are some of the signs that indicate that it is time to look for a new AC.
The Unit Isn’t Cooling Your Home
This is pretty obvious, right? Unfortunately, some homeowners do not notice that the air coming out of their AC is at room temperature. Others notice the issue but believe that the air compressor only requires a kick-in to begin supplying the cold air. Hence, they give it time. Regardless, this is a sign that something isn’t right with the air conditioner.
Several minor issues might be causing the problem, such as compressor issues and low Freon. But if the air conditioner hasn’t kicked back within an hour, likely, it will not until a technician addresses the problem. Fortunately, an air conditioner repair professional can inspect the AC unit and fix the issue without needing a new air conditioner. But if the unit is severely damaged, you might need to have an air conditioner installation service from your reliable technician.
Moisture Or Leakage Around The Air Conditioning Unit
Any air conditioner will have some condensing water around them. However, an obvious leak or a lot of moisture is a cause for concern. If the unit is leaking water, it might cause damage to your flooring, surrounding storage, and furniture depending on where the air conditioning unit is located. Additionally, excessive water leaks that aren’t addressed on time will result in mold growth, prompting a need for a professional to inspect the air conditioner and clean it. Mold growth may also require that you replace your AC, hence a need for an air conditioner installation service.
If the technician detects coolant leakage, they will turn off the air conditioner and advise that you evacuate as they resolve the issue. The refrigerant in your air conditioner is pretty toxic if left unaddressed and can be dangerous if inhaled. So, whenever you have any reason to believe that the air conditioner is leaking the refrigerant, shut off the system, leave the house with doors and windows open, and call an emergency AC repair technician.
Rooms Aren’t Cooling Equally
Are your rooms not cooling equally? Most of the time, when this happens, it is because of an issue with the thermostat, not the air conditioner. It only takes a faulty thermostat to disrupt your entire system from correctly cooling every zone at your house. Hence, if the rest of your home feels cool apart from an isolated area, it is time to look at your thermostat.
But if the thermostat is working fine and the AC unit is still unevenly cooling your home, it may be time to have a technician inspect it. Based on their findings, they may repair the unit or advise that you have an air conditioner installation service to replace the old one with a more energy-efficient unit.
The Airflow Is Not Powerful
This is somehow related to the issue above. Sometimes, as your air conditioner ages, it stops pushing the air out with power as it used to. This is a clear sign that the unit is deteriorating. It also might mean that the air conditioner’s compressor isn’t correctly functioning. Other times, a blocked or damaged vent might cause the problem.
Unfortunately, damaged vents or compressor issues may sometimes be costly to repair, depending on the nature or extent of the damage. Additionally, compressors are pretty expensive, and sometimes, it might be economical to have a new air conditioner installation service to replace the older one. This especially happens when the air conditioner is close to the end of its service life.
An Aged AC unit
Most air conditioning units last for only 10-15 years, though there are outliers, especially if a homeowner has been keen and meticulous on the unit’s maintenance. However, your AC system can only go so long, even with routine maintenance. If your air conditioner is aged, there’s a high chance that it’ll retire due to malfunction or a breakdown soon. Even if the old AC system is running, it might not be efficiently running, resulting in high energy consumption and uneven cooling.
The AC industry has seen a lot of positive improvements over the past few decades. Newer AC units nowadays have a higher energy efficiency which is great for the environment and your bank account. Hence, if you’re looking for a way of conserving energy for lower monthly energy utility bills, call a technician for an air conditioner installation in Dallas, TX, to replace your aged one with a more energy-efficient unit.
Your AC Unit Is Producing Strange Noises
The air conditioner should only produce a steady and slow hum when working effectively. Any strange noise means that something is amiss with the way your air conditioning unit is functioning. Noises such as squealing are a sign that an area within your AC unit is dry and requires oiling. Other noises mean that a piece or component has broken down or the belt has slipped. The quicker you repair or replace the affected components, the more money you’ll save since the damage won’t escalate to a point where an air conditioner installation is required.
Things To Consider Before Having an Air Conditioner Installation
Finding the right air conditioner for your home might be challenging. But it can be worse to end up with the wrong air conditioner. Before purchasing a water heater, consult your HVAC technician and retain them for an air conditioner installation service. Below are some of the things that you should consider before you buy your next air conditioner:
Capacity
How large is your house or apartment? This is a critical factor because it informs the time your air conditioner will have to run. This determines the capacity that your air conditioner should have. Having a too small air conditioner for your home will cost you more money and damage your air conditioner down the line. It also is inefficient for your house. Small air conditioners also have to work harder than a correctly sized one to cool your home.
This leads to higher energy usage, meaning you’ll have a higher energy bill at the end of the month. Additionally, the air conditioner also requires frequent repairs, meaning that you will be paying a technician for maintenance several times every year. However, consulting a professional air conditioner installation service will give you clear guidance to ensure that you purchase an air conditioner with the right capacity. An air conditioner is a large investment. You should ensure that you don’t end up buying the wrong one.
The AC’s Energy Efficiency
You must purchase an energy-efficient air conditioner. If it isn’t, then it will cost you more money. Hence, you’ll have higher energy bills to pay, not forgetting that they are also not eco-friendly. Energy inefficient air conditioners might also use harmful refrigerants that aren’t environmentally safe.
Besides putting a dent in your pocket, they also contribute to the harmful gasses within the atmosphere. Air conditioning units normally have ratings that tell you their efficiency. Whenever you want an air conditioner installation service in Dallas, TX, inquire about your unit’s SEER ratings. The higher the SEER rating, the more the energy efficiency and vice versa.
Price
Price determines the quality and size of an air conditioner that you’ll get. If you want an energy-efficient AC that lasts longer and has a lower energy bill, it’ll cost you more. However, you should also keep the long-term benefits in mind. If price is not a problem for you, purchase an air conditioner that will last longer than a low-quality lower-priced air conditioner. Though a lowly-priced air conditioner will cool your home, it uses more energy and requires more maintenance. Consider all those factors before calling a licensed technician for an air conditioner installation in Dallas, TX. Ensure that you make a worthwhile investment by purchasing a quality air conditioner.
Air Quality
Have you just moved into a new house and want an air conditioner that will raise the comfort of your new home? Then you should consider the quality of the air. Air conditioners have better vents, and filters usually clean your air better than ones that do not. Do you want to have fresh-feeling air? Then go for an air conditioning unit that has high-quality filters. Hence, whenever thinking of air conditioner installation, ensure that you keep the weather in mind. You don’t need an air conditioner that doesn’t remove humidity from the air. If the AC gives you better quality air, you will feel more comfortable at your home.
The AC Installation Process
Inquire regarding the air conditioner installation process in your Dallas, TX home. If already there are fixtures in place in your new home, you want an air conditioner that adjusts and fits into them. However, if your new home doesn’t have any fixtures, you want to look for an optimal place where the air conditioner can be installed. This place should also ensure the best cooling of your home.
Placement
The outer box containing your air conditioner fan will most likely be exposed to sunlight directly throughout the day. Hence, you should find a spot where the component isn’t exposed to sunlight or has less exposure. The fan could be damaged or worn down because of the harsh weather conditions. If you cannot find a safe spot for the air conditioner installation, you should place a plank that creates a shade for the fans. Remember, the air conditioner cannot work if the outer and the inner components aren’t properly functioning.
Sometimes, the air conditioner is exposed to a lot of rain or sunlight, which might damage the filters or even the air ducts. These components also might fill up with debris and dirt, tampering with your air conditioner’s cooling efficiency. Ensure that you’re careful regarding where all parts of the air conditioner are placed to ensure that they can work together to provide you with optimal air temperatures. The air conditioner parts should be placed in a part of your Dallas, TX home where they aren’t blocked by furniture that can inhibit the unit’s ability to cool your home.
AC Installation Done Right
As explained above, several factors determine whether it is time to replace your air conditioner. However, you should keep several things, such as the capacity and energy efficiency, in mind when purchasing or having an air conditioner installation service. Do you want to schedule air conditioner installation at your Dallas, TX home? Reach out to us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas.