How Often Should I Schedule Maintenance for My AC System?
You wouldn’t drive your car thousands of miles without an oil change, would you? Giving your AC system a professional once-over is just as crucial before every cooling season kicks into high gear.
Just think about the strain your air conditioner is under when temperatures soar into the 90s. As it runs nearly constantly battling that intense heat, a system operating with dusty coils, poor lubrication, and improper refrigerant levels is just asking for trouble. You’ll see cooling performance plummet and energy costs skyrocket as it struggles harder and harder.
That’s why an annual tune-up is so crucial – it’s like giving your AC a full reset to get it back into prime fighting shape. Our techs will clean the coils, replace filters, check all mechanical components, and optimize refrigerant levels, while making any minor adjustments needed to ensure smooth, efficient operation.
A simple tune-up is the best way to prevent costly breakdowns and ensure you stay cool and comfortable all summer long. Don’t go skimping on preventative maintenance!
What Are Signs That My Air Conditioner Needs Repair?
An air conditioning system in need of some TLC usually doesn’t stay quiet for long. If you’ve been noticing any of these warning signs, it’s time to quit ignoring them and get Henco on the line:
Poor Airflow
As components wear down, your AC may start struggling to push out strong airflow from vents. Weak, warm air which is a red flag that something’s amiss – likely a clogged air filter, refrigerant leak, or failing blower motor restricting airflow.
Strange Sounds
Listen for any new or worsening noises like clanking, grinding, or high-pitched hissing. Those sounds could indicate failing parts inside like a worn blower bearing, loose component, or refrigerant leak. Strange noises only get louder with time.
Rising Energy Bills
If your monthly cooling costs are creeping up for no apparent reason, an inefficient, overworking AC unit is likely the culprit. As parts degrade, your system has to run longer cycles to maintain temperatures, wasting energy.
Moisture or Leaks
Any excess moisture around your indoor unit or refrigerant lines is a surefire sign of a refrigerant leak that needs professional attention ASAP. Ignoring leaks leads to total system failure eventually.
System Shutdowns
An air conditioner that’s kicking off frequently or just refusing to run could have an electrical issue, thermostat problem, or serious internal component failure like a dead compressor.
The sooner you call us about issues like these, the better. Letting AC problems linger not only leads to worsening performance and higher energy costs, but also risks doing permanent damage that necessitates an entire system replacement down the road. Catching issues early with a repair can add years to your air conditioner’s life expectancy.
What Cooling System Is Best for My Home?
With so many cooling options out there, it can be tough to figure out what setup is the perfect fit for your Dallas home. But the pros at Henco Plumbing Heating & Cooling have you covered!
Central Air Conditioning
The classic whole-home cooling solution, central air systems are great for larger houses with extensive ductwork already in place. The air handler and condenser work in tandem to keep every room an oasis.
Centrals provide consistent, even temperatures while allowing control over each zone. However, they require ductwork and can be pricier upfront.
Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Ductless units are a stellar option for additions, smaller homes, or spaces without ductwork. They pump conditioned air directly into zones while avoiding the energy waste of ducted systems. Super efficient!
Ductless units excel at cooling specific areas without wasting power on unused rooms. The lack of ductwork makes them easier to install as well. The downside is less whole-home integration.
Window AC Units
If you just need a quick, budget-friendly way to cool off a room or two, window units can provide a simple solution. They’re affordable upfront and easy to install yourself.
Just don’t expect whole-home comfort or high efficiency from these room-by-room coolers. Window units are best for temporary spot cooling.
Before making any decisions, it’s always wise to have one of Henco’s comfort advisors pay you a visit to assess your home’s layout, existing setup, shading factors, insulation levels and more to recommend the most cost-effective cooling system for your needs.
From proper sizing to energy calculations, we’ll make sure you end up with the Goldilocks solution – not too big, not too small, just right.
How Can I Improve the Energy Efficiency of My Cooling System?
Keeping cool and comfortable is great until you get that electric bill and it feels like you’ve been air conditioning the entire neighborhood. Don’t panic! There are some simple steps you can take to boost your cooling system’s efficiency and keep those energy costs in check:
Change Those Air Filters
This is basic but you’d be amazed how many homeowners let it slide. Clogged air filters make your AC work harder by restricting airflow. Swap them out every 1-3 months.
Seal Up Ductwork
If you have a central air system, leaky ductwork is a silent efficiency killer. Have HENCO come out and seal up any gaps or disconnections to stop conditioned air from being wasted.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Ditch that ancient, outdated thermostat for a shiny new programmable model. Smart thermostats let you easily optimize temperatures when you’re away to reduce energy waste.
Add Attic Insulation
A poorly insulated attic is like leaving windows open – it allows cooled air to easily escape. Have us beef up insulation levels to better contain that cold air.
Schedule a Tune-Up
Like a car, your AC needs periodic tune-ups to restore peak operating condition. Henco’s techs will clean coils, check refrigerant levels, and recalibrate for maximum efficiency.
Don’t let your hard-earned money get thrown out the window (or rather, the air vents). From simple filter swaps to major upgrades, the team at Henco Plumbing Heating & Cooling can help get your cooling system optimized for maximum energy savings. Stay cool and keep that electric bill chill this summer!
Why Is My Air Conditioner Blowing Warm Air?
There’s nothing more disappointing than cranking up the AC on a scorching day only to get blasted with warm, stale air. If this has been happening to you, it’s definitely cause for concern – warm airflow is a surefire sign that something’s amiss with your cooling system. But don’t sweat it, the problem could be any number of common culprits:
Refrigerant Leak
Your AC’s refrigerant lines could have a leak, causing levels to drop until the system can no longer achieve maximum cooling. Leaks need to be sealed up ASAP.
Frozen Coils
On the flip side, a lack of airflow can cause the refrigerant coils to ice over, blocking heat absorption. This is usually due to a dirty air filter or blower failure.
Condenser Issues
If the outdoor condenser unit is obstructed or has an electrical problem, it can’t expel heat properly. This causes a backup of hot air into your home.
Thermostat Malfunction
It could simply be that your thermostat is on the fritz, not activating the cooling cycle when it should be. Smart thermostats can eliminate this issue.
Electrical Faults
Wiring problems, blown fuses or tripped breakers can prevent the AC from running its full cooling cycle and properly circulating refrigerant.
While you could try some basic troubleshooting like changing air filters or checking the condenser, warm airflow often requires professional diagnosis and repair. The HVAC experts at HENCO have all the tools and know-how to quickly pinpoint the root cause and get your cooling back up to frosty standards. Don’t get stuck sweating it out – give us a call today!
