Why Do I Need Professional Air Conditioning Service? | Frisco, TX
Almost every home in Frisco, TX, is equipped with an air conditioner. Although the weather in Texas makes air conditioning a popular amenity, most homes across the United States also have an air conditioner for the hottest months of the year. This makes air conditioning services a necessity for most homeowners. Keeping the AC in good condition means it can maintain cool spaces and a comfortable atmosphere for us to relax when needed. Some people with respiratory difficulties and other health issues rely on air conditioning services for more than just comfort. It can be very hard for people with COPD, emphysema, and other respiratory conditions to breathe in hot, humid weather.
Routine Maintenance
A faulty air conditioner can have more consequences than just a few uncomfortable days until it’s fixed. You can reduce the risk of an unexpected breakdown by keeping up with air conditioning services and regular maintenance. Many causes of AC breakdowns are fairly minor, but it’s important to catch these problems early so your unit functions correctly. A small problem can become a much more serious issue without timely intervention. Central system maintenance also includes checking seals and possible leaks around ducts. The best way to maximize the functional lifetime of your AC is regular maintenance from a qualified air conditioning service technician.
Regular air conditioning service maintenance includes tasks such as running the HVAC system to observe any problems, visual inspections, cleaning and changing filters. Air conditioning service technicians may handle minor repairs during an inspection as well. AC units without maintenance can experience a steady decline in performance and efficiency.
Poor efficiency can lead to a lot of wasted energy. In addition to uncomfortably warm temperatures and high humidity, you may have an unexpectedly high energy bill as well. Contact your local air conditioning service provider to schedule regular maintenance and address potential problems as soon as possible. Make sure you schedule maintenance and get your AC unit in good working order before summer in Frisco, TX. Your AC unit has to work harder during hot summer months.
Evaporator and condenser coils frequently have aluminum fins that can bend and twist out of shape. This can interfere with airflow and block access to the cool. An air conditioning service technician may use a tool called a fin comb to restore fins to the correct shape and position. It’s best to leave this job to professionals because mistakes can easily make the problem worse. A technician can also measure airflow through coils to make sure the unit is functioning properly. Federal and state regulations determine how refrigerants in air conditioning systems should be handled and discarded. Technicians check refrigerant levels and look for any refrigerant leaks. Any refrigerant that leaks out of a system should always be removed by a professional for proper disposal.
Electronics
Many HVAC systems have electronic control processes that monitor heating and cooling operations. Errors in electronic processes can lead to problems such as heating and cooling systems operating at the same time, faulty temperature control, and erratic air circulation. Technicians maintain electric control panels by inspecting terminals and checking or tightening connections. A non-conductive coating applied to control panels may be necessary if electrical malfunctions occur frequently.
There are many different types of AC units on the market, and each model has its own strengths and weaknesses. Temperature control is a vital aspect of keeping your home comfortable and helping your AC function efficiently. Many homeowners now have smart thermostats installed so they can control settings from mobile devices and receive alerts immediately if something isn’t right. Trained air conditioning service technicians can install smart thermostats and help you adjust the system to achieve optimal conditions for your household.
Air Filters
Cleaning and changing air filters is an essential task. A clogged or dirty filter restricts airflow and forces the unit to use more energy for subpar results. Obstructions can also force air to move around and bypass the filter altogether. This lets dirt get past the filter and builds up on evaporator coils. Residue coating coils hampers their heat-absorbing abilities, which significantly impairs the unit’s cooling effect. Replacing clogged filters with new filters may reduce energy use by 5% to 15% in an average AC unit.
Air conditioners accomplish more than cooler temperatures. In addition to producing cool air, an AC unit also acts as an air purifier. Air conditioning services are an important aspect of maintaining indoor air quality. The air processed through an AC unit travels through a filtration system. Filters catch contaminants such as dust, pollen, and pet hair, so these particles are trapped in a filter instead of circulating throughout your home. All filters eventually reach a saturation limit if they aren’t cleaned or replaced regularly. Once filters are completely full, they can’t remove more particles from the air. Clogged filters can cause problems for the entire unit.
Some homeowners in Frisco, TX, prefer specific types of filters. There are seven main types of home air filters including HEPA, UV light, electrostatic, washable, media, pleated, and spun glass filters. Each filter has its own advantages and disadvantages. An air conditioning service technician can help you choose an appropriate filter for your household. High-efficiency filters are good for most systems, but homeowners also need to consider factors such as pet hair, mold, or mildew concerns, and how frequently filters will be changed. Choose a filter based on the particles most likely to be present in your home.
Filters are rated between 1 to 16 on the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV. This evaluation tool was developed by the American Society of Heating and Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers. Ratings offer a general assessment of the filter’s ability to trap contaminants and pollutants. The most efficient filters can trap particles of varying sizes between 0.3 microns and 10 microns. A rating of 16 indicates the greatest efficiency.
HEPA Filters
HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, has a rating close to 16 because these filters can remove up to 99.9% of allergens and pollutants from the air. Pollutants include mold spores, bacteria, pet dander, and pollen. People with allergies and respiratory conditions may want to consider installing a HEPA filter. A qualified air conditioning service technician can choose and adjust HEPA filters for your HVAC system.
UV and Electrostatic Filters
UV filters utilize ultraviolet light to eradicate viruses and bacteria. A UV lamp disinfects air as it travels through the AC unit. UV filters are especially useful for killing mold spores and other microorganisms. However, the potential downside of UV filters is their potential to convert oxygen into ozone. This can be hazardous because ozone can trigger coughing or chest pain. Although the UV light may kill mold spores, the negative effects on health may outweigh the benefits in some cases. Always consult an air conditioning service professional to correctly install UV filters.
Electrostatic filters contain small cotton and paper fibers that create static to attract dust and other particles. This attraction pulls particles into the filter and removes them from circulation. These filters may be beneficial for people with allergies. In addition, electrostatic filters are reusable.
Washable and Pleated Filters
Washable filters are an environmentally friendly option because they’re made to wash and reuse. It’s very important to wash filters regularly and make sure the filter is completely dry before putting it back in the system. Most washable filters come with maintenance instructions. Pleated filters are made of polyester or cotton. They have MERV ratings between 5 to 13 because they can filter dust, but their air filtration ability is less than many other filter types. The pleated folds increase surface area to improve air filtration and dampen noise from fans. Filters with more pleats are more effective for trapping allergens such as pet dander or mold spores. Some pleated filters are also reusable.
Media and Spun Glass Filters
Media filters have a larger than average surface area to filter and seal away airborne particles without creating static. Most media filters also have high MERV ratings. Spun glass filters are made of fiberglass strands. They’re very common HVAC filters and protect both air conditioners and furnaces from airborne debris. Although spun glass filters are sturdy and last a long time, they are disposable instead of reusable. A spun glass filter is not the best choice for households that value exceptional air purity, although it is possible to use more than one type of filter in some HVAC systems. Ask your air conditioning service technician if multiple filters are an option.
Controlling Humidity
An AC unit can also control humidity. Cooling and filtration systems remove excess water from the air. Many people feel uncomfortable or irritable in humid conditions. The air feels wet, thick, and sticky. However, controlling humidity is extremely important for people with respiratory issues in Frisco, TX. High humidity can make breathing difficult for people affected by chronic respiratory disorders or during an illness such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Regular air conditioning services are even more important for households that need to control humidity for health reasons.
Excessive humidity may contribute to mold and mildew growth. Mold colonies thrive in warm, wet environments. Some people with respiratory health problems or allergies may be sensitive to mold as well. It’s also very difficult to eradicate a mold colony after it’s established. High humidity and poor air circulation can also foster an offensive musty odor. An efficient AC unit helps your household avoid many of these unpleasant side effects of humidity.
Air conditioning service technicians can measure humidity levels in your home and offer advice and assistance if humidity is a problem. Condensate drains need to be clean and clear so water flows away from an AC unit. Dirt, dust, and debris can block condensate drains. Clogged drains make it very difficult for an AC unit to reduce humidity and overflowing condensation may form a puddle or discolor surrounding walls or floors. A technician may use a stiff wire brush or a similar tool to clean drain lines and remove obstructions.
Peace and Quiet
Window units should have a tight seal between the metal case of the unit and the window frame. Moisture may interfere with the seal or damage the window frame. Poorly sealed units let cool air escape from the home. This seal also eliminates noise. Sounds coming from traffic, neighbors, animals, and other outdoor sources in Frisco, TX, can be very distracting. A properly installed AC unit dampens noises from outside the house. However, a poorly functioning air conditioner can produce noise too.
Your AC shouldn’t be so loud and disruptive that it interrupts conversations or interferes with routine activities such as watching TV or listening to music. Any number of issues can contribute to the noisy operation. Built-up dust and debris force the unit to work harder. Excessive condensation inside the unit may combine with dust to create a thick residue that interferes with moving parts and filters. Unsecured fans can shift and move, which may loosen other components. Loose screws rattle and bang against other parts. Routine maintenance tasks such as oiling motors, tightening belts, and replacing worn-out parts may significantly reduce noise. An occasional bout of loud noise may be nothing to worry about, but you should call an air conditioning service professional if noise becomes a regular problem.
One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas provides a wide range of air conditioning services in Frisco, TX. Don’t hesitate to call and ask questions or make an appointment. Experienced air conditioning service technicians are always available to assess and diagnose problems, handle repairs, and keep up with routine maintenance. The knowledgeable professionals at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating are also happy to help with upgrades and fine-tuning to optimize performance and make sure your air conditioner is ready for hot summer weather.