Understanding The Basics Of Air Conditioning Repair, Maintenance, And Replacement | Frisco, TX
HVAC systems are a necessary evil as is regular air conditioner repair. While you hate the thought of replacing or repairing your HVAC system, a summer in Frisco, TX without a working AC is not a tangible reality. It can be hard to want to shell out the money for an AC service before the actual heat of the summer hits, but when you consider yourself sweating in the middle of the summer while waiting for your turn to come up in the air conditioning repair queue, you will find a little extra incentive.
Of course, if you like the idea of saving money, then air conditioning repair and service might just be a better fit for you than you thought it would be. The simple truth is that the more you repair upfront the less you will spend in the long run. AC repair is best handled promptly because a broken component will eventually rub and create high amounts of friction that will lead to more broken components. If you thought fixing one piece wasn’t if you imagine fixing multiple pieces all of which are on backorder.
With this in mind, it might be time to take a second look at an air conditioner service visit in Frisco, TX. Booking a visit will only take up a couple of hours of your time and it could save you days of suffering during the hot summer months. You don’t have to take our word for it though, here are a few things to think about if you are concerned about the condition of your HVAC system. Also, make sure to take a look at the quick list of common signs that it’s time for air conditioning repair because you never know when your AC is going to take a sharp turn for the worse. Being able to spot a warning sign can save you some major repair costs down the road even if you don’t decide to book an annual service call.
When Is the Best Time to Get Air Conditioning Repair?
Now that you are thinking about an air conditioning service or repair, it is helpful to know the best time to book your visit. Generally, most HVAC companies in Texas will recommend that you call them during the off-season which would be the fall or spring months. There are several reasons for this including the fact that their schedules should be more open and they can be more flexible with your service time.
During the summer and winter months, HVAC professionals are often busy dealing with heating and cooling emergencies, but the fall and spring tend to be quieter. Some HVAC companies will even work with you and allow you to purchase your AC in the off-season and then install it at a time that works better for you. One more reason to consider looking at a service visit or air conditioning repair during the spring is that it gives you time to think about whether you want to replace or repair any parts that may be broken. If you wait until the start of the summer season you will have no choice but to act quickly.
Additionally, during the fall a lot of older systems are starting to go on clearance, so it is possible that you can save on an air conditioner versus attempting to look for one in the spring when the new models are hitting the manufacturer’s storeroom. Of course, keep in mind that if your air conditioner breaks during the summer months you should not put off air conditioning repair in Frisco Texas. The temperatures are too high and could cause health hazards for the people living in your home. Therefore while you should try to avoid or proactively take care of servicing and repair before something happens, don’t be afraid to call an HVAC company for help during the summer months if you find yourself in need of an AC repair.
Common Signs It Is Time for Air Conditioning Repair
Wondering if you already need air conditioner repair? It’s actually not a bad idea to kick your system on during the spring months for five to ten months to make sure that it is running properly. If you notice any of the signs listed below, then you can book air conditioning repair before you are dependent on your system.
Warm Air
If warm air is coming out of your air vents and you double-check that the thermostat is set too cold then you have an obvious problem. There are multiple reasons this could be happening, so it is best to let an HVAC company handle the air conditioning repair.
Poor Airflow
If it feels like the airflow coming from your air vents is reduced you will need to call an HVAC company to investigate the issue. This could be caused by a lot of things ranging from clogged air filters to clogged air ducts to a broken compressor.
Humidity in Your Home
Your AC is tasked with two jobs: to cool your home and remove humidity from the air. If it is only doing one of these two jobs then it is time to call for help. Humidity is very destructive and can cause breathing issues so you don’t want to put up with it for long.
Bad Smells from Your Air Vents
Outside of a brief musty smell when you first turn on your AC at the start of the season, the air circulating in your home should never have a smell. If it does, this is a clear sign that it is time to get some professional input.
When Is It Finally Time to Give Up and Replace Your AC?
Most people worry each time they have to call for air conditioning repair that this time may be the time. No one wants to replace their air conditioning system and especially not before the start of another season. However, at some point, you have to stop and consider if putting more money into an older system is worth it anymore.
Outside of paying for continual air conditioner repairs, you may be paying more for energy bills because older systems are not as efficient. If you are paying more on a monthly basis then you no longer save money by keeping your old system. So how do you know when it’s time to give up and replace your AC? Here are a few things that you should consider next time you know you need air conditioning repair.
How Old Is Your AC?
When you start weighing air conditioner repair against air conditioning replacement, the age of your AC system plays a large role in the final decision. In general, if your AC is over ten years old then it is time to start thinking about buying a new system. Even if you can inch through one more season with your old model, it is only reasonable to start thinking about buying a new one. You will be happy that you started budgeting so that you won’t be caught off guard with a household budget that isn’t ready for the hit.
The issue with AC systems is that the unit is mostly located outdoors, which means that it is exposed to extreme temperatures and weather conditions. Heating systems are somewhat sheltered indoors, but the outdoor AC unit is not so you cannot expect them to last as long as your furnace. New ACs and those that are served every year can make it to around 15 years, but you shouldn’t expect your system to last more than ten years. Once you reach the ten-year mark you need to weigh the costs of air conditioning repair versus replacement. The same way you wouldn’t keep tossing money at an old used car, you don’t want to keep throwing your money away on air conditioner repair that will result in a complete replacement.
In addition, there are a few other factors that will impact the estimated lifespan of your unit. As mentioned, how often you booked a tune-up will play a role along with the extreme temperatures outdoors. The hot and humid temperatures of Frisco, TX will take a toll on your system over time, but the benefit to living in Texas is that traditionally winters are not that harsh so that can help extend their lifespans. Finally, how correctly the unit was sized to your home will also play a role in how long it lasts. A system that has to constantly run to maintain an appropriate temperature will experience more wear and tear than a system that is properly sized.
You Are Paying for One Air Conditioning Repair Visit After Another
Given the high costs of replacing your AC system, it is understandable that you would rather pay for air conditioning repair. However, sometimes it just doesn’t make sense to pay one more repair bill. If this is your first or second call over the entire lifespan of your unit, then it is reasonable to make the reaper. However, if this is your third call for air conditioning repair in the span of one season, then it is time to think about honestly just replacing your unit. At this point, a complete replacement is probably in your future and you are just buying very expensive time.
You wouldn’t pay $400 to rent an air conditioning unit for a month, so you shouldn’t be willing to pay the same amount for an air conditioning repair that is only going to last you for a limited amount of time. If you are unsure of what to do, ask the local HVAC company that comes out to your home what they think. Usually, the repair guys will be honest which should give you a professional point of view to judge your options from. If you can’t trust the HVAC company that comes out to your home for air conditioning repair, then you should switch to a company you can.
Your Current AC Depends on R-22 Freon
Unless you happen to be a technical guru, you may not know what R-22 freon is, but it does matter because this freon is no longer produced within the US. That means if you run out of refrigerant there is no way that you can have it refilled. All it takes is one refrigerant leak and your system will become useless. If you have an AC system that is over ten years old then there is a good chance that it requires this freon. Due to the negative environmental effects, the EPA has stopped its production and new AC systems are not allowed to use it as the refrigerant.
If you do have an older system, you shouldn’t panic right away because, in theory, you should never have to refill your refrigerant if your system is running smoothly. The refrigerant should be reused and therefore should never run out and contrary to popular belief does not evaporate. However, a slight leak is all it takes to lose your refrigerant, and without refrigerant, the air that comes out of your system will not be cool. Therefore, while you can continue to use your old AC system, you do need to start thinking about budgeting for a replacement unit so you aren’t caught off guard when that time comes.
Schedule Frisco, TX Air Conditioning Repair
Are you dealing with one of the common signs of air conditioner repair? Are you contemplating throwing in the towel and investing in a new AC unit to save on energy bills? Or do you just want to talk to someone about your choices? Book a service call with One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas and we will come out to your Frisco, TX home and thoroughly inspect your system. This allows us to give you advice that is tailored to your current AC system and offer you a better estimate so you know what to expect should you decide to settle on air conditioning repair or replacement.