Optimize Your Home’s Air Quality

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We always think of air pollution as smog or something outside in the air. But truthfully, if you’re like many Texan area homeowners, the air inside our homes or office buildings can be more polluted than the air outside. The air inside may be polluted with lead paint (and from lead dust tracked in from outside), formaldehyde, fire retardants, radon, cigarette smoke, or other harmful chemical household cleaners.

improve austin air quality

A stale indoor air and heating system can increase the amount of allergy-inducing dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and mold spores circulating through your house. This low air quality in your home can have a big effect on your health, irritate your nose and throat, and change your mood by making you feel tired or lethargic. These allergens can trigger respiratory problems (asthma flare-ups or lung issues), fatigue and sleepiness, or even digestive issues. So, allergy sufferers by trying to improve your home’s indoor air quality, you can help to avoid asthma flare-ups and allergy symptoms, while keeping you breathing easy through those chilly months.

Airflow is crucial for good indoor air quality. It may feel comfortable keeping your home sealed up tight during the winter months, sadly for those people who are sensitive to indoor allergens or have respiratory problems, those colder months can exacerbate those allergy problems. Yes, indoor air quality tends to worsen in the winter months because there is often no flow of fresh air from the outside, meaning allergens stay trapped inside.

In the recent decade, we’re spending more time indoors. As a homeowner, you want to ensure those people that are your family and friends are breathing clean air, who could be more affected by health issues such as children, people with asthma, and the elderly. They may be more sensitive to these indoor pollutants with repeated exposure over time. Unfortunately, it is not possible to eliminate all the allergens inside your home. However, you can reduce the number of allergens in your home and your exposure to them by doing some simple tasks to ensure your home’s air quality is optimal.

Have Air Vent Professionally Cleaned:

Air vents are notorious for harboring mold, pests, dirt, pet dander, fungus, dust mites, and really who knows what else may be lurking the duct system. However, for allergy sufferers it may help, but unless those ducts are dirty, there’s not a reason why they should be cleaned often. But, remember you should schedule a compete air vent and duct cleaning, if your renovating your home, have animal infestation in your HVAC or duct system, have visible mold or contaminants, or someone is suffering with an illness where the HVAC may be the culprit.

Keep your Home Clean:

Vacuuming the carpets or area rugs at least once or twice a week with an approved HEPA filter to reduce allergies. For those severe allergen sufferers, it may be better to remove all carpeting in your home and opt for hard surface flooring to cut down on those allergens. Also, making sure to remove your home’s clutter because it traps and holds dust, which can trigger allergen reactions.

Keep Greenery Outside:

Indoor plants can collect and foster the growth of mold. This is a problem for allergen sufferers, and you’ll want to avoid them. While some plants are beneficial by releasing oxygen to improve indoor air quality, they still trigger those allergies.

Change your Air Filter:

Air conditioners can really help improve air quality in your home, be certain to change the filters regularly, according the specific HVAC manufacturer’s instructions. Changing your filter often can help ensure that dust, pollens, impurities, and other airborne irritants get trapped in the air filter instead of recirculating throughout your home. Also, you should consider having your ducts professionally cleaned to remove any trapped dust by a licensed HVAC technician.

Purchase an Air Purifier:

Allergen sufferers can’t always control the source of the problem that is causing the indoor allergen problem. However, it may help to use an air purifier. The ionic purifiers can help to capture some of the irritants that may trigger allergy symptoms. Also, consider a dehumidifier in damp areas, such as your basement, bathrooms, kitchens, near washing machines, or any place where water can be collected to help prevent the growth of mold. During the summer months, using a humidifier and your AC will help to reduce the moisture in indoor air and helps to control allergens that are plaguing allergen sufferers.

Natural Fresh Air Ventilation:

It is important to make sure your home is adequately ventilated and has good air circulation flowing throughout. Yes, it is alright to open your windows from time to time to allow fresh air to move in your home. Therefore, it is important to make sure to keep your fans moving because they help to remove potential air contaminants from staying stagnant in the home, which comes from oven cooking or using toxic cleaning chemicals.

So, if you’re looking to improve your air quality and ventilation in your home to help reduce those indoor air pollutants contact us. You will need to speak with an Elite Heating and Air Conditioning licensed HVAC technician, they are specifically trained to help with any advanced designs of new homes that are starting to feature these type of AC units that bring outdoor air into the home or want to reduce the poor indoor air quality in your home.

Thankfully, more homeowners are becoming aware of the factors that are impacting their indoor air quality and are taking quick action. Learn how we can help you to prevent and reduce the air pollutants from entering your home. We’ll show you some steps to take to optimize your home’s indoor air quality, while improving your family’s health and comfort.

Call Elite Heating and Air Conditioning to schedule your appointment at (512) 368-8590 or learn more on how we can help your home air quality.

Why You Should Hire A HVAC Professional for AC Maintenance

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However, like any other mechanical device, an air conditioner and its many components require some basic cleaning and maintenance to continue operating at its best. If it’s been more than a few years since your last AC unit cleaning (or you can’t remember ever having them cleaned) then it’s probably time for a clean. Chances are that you’ve neglected your biannual spring and fall checkups on your AC unit.

home ac maintenance in Austin, TX

Your AC isn’t cooling nearly, as well as it could be. Well there could be, a year’s worth of dirt and debris clogging the cooling fins, a low coolant level, a dirty blower fan filter and several other simple issues can reduce the efficiency of your AC condenser and wear it out faster.  And by keeping your AC maintained, you’ll not only save money on energy, but you’ll also extend its lifespan, saving money on costly early replacement. There’s nothing quite as refreshing as stepping into a cool, comfortable home on a hot, humid summer day.

Let’s explain that your HVAC system will consist of either a furnace and AC or a heat pump, which both heats and cools. Both types will have an interior unit (evaporator and blower, which absorbs heat and humidity from inside the home or building) and an exterior unit (condenser coil and compressor, which releases the excess heat from home or building to the outdoors). If either are not turning in peak performance, it could be the reason for your AC not cooling your home.

Also, this is a very basic explanation of the cleaning of the AC unit. However, a good professional service will be much more thorough, and this type of service will improve efficiency greatly within the AC unit. Choosing a licensed professional from Elite Heating and Air Conditioning improves your chances on you enjoying comfortable, satisfying indoor air for many seasons to come.

What you’re probably most concerned about is your comfort. When your AC coils are dirty, your AC won’t do a good job of keeping you comfy.

This problem is caused by the condenser coils, they usually are about the size of a large garbage can, but they can also be as small as a bucket or as huge as a refrigerator. The metal fins help transfer heat to the outside air. These tubes carry the hot refrigerant, this gives off heat as it condenses. When these coils are covered in dirt, heat gets trapped inside these condenser coils. The evaporator coils will have difficulty absorbing the heat. This results in poor heat transfer. The AC is now lowering the efficiency of the cooling cycles and making the unit run longer, hotter, and with more pressure in order to produce an adequate cooling level in your home or office environment.

The system will struggle to reach the set temperatures and remove humidity from the air. You will notice a drop-in air quality and you will feel sticky air in your home. Remember, too much humidity can promote the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria in your home or office. Making the system work harder than intended and can result in shorter system life and potentially expensive repair bills.

If you have an HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) maintenance plan in place, you’re already doing the best thing possible to minimize your air conditioner repairs. Be comfortable knowing with Elite Heating and Air Conditioning licensed HVAC and Trane professionals, they inspect your coils on every visit to ensure they are clean and clear from any leaks, change the filters, and test the system to make sure it is functioning properly each and every time.

However, your responsibility as a homeowner is to change your inside AC filter monthly or when the manufacturer requires you to do so. Then you must take care of the outside unit, most outdoor air conditioning units have grilles to protect them from the outdoor elements. However, you will need to make sure to keep the area surrounding the AC unit clear from debris, dirt, twigs, or leaves.

If you are not comfortable doing the following, that’s why we recommend using a licensed HVAC technician for regular cleaning of your AC unit.

  • First, they must remove the front panel and bar from the top of unit, if applicable.
  • Then, they straighten the bent cooling fins with a fin comb. Technicians must wear leather gloves to prevent from receiving any kind of nasty cuts from the metal grates. AC’s work more efficiently when the evaporator and condenser coils or cooling fins are clean from clogs and the fins are straight.
  • Next, they vacuum all the visible buildup and debris from the coils. Clear any clogs in the AC drain line, if something has been stopping it up!
  • After that, they apply a commercial foam cleaner over the entire surface of the coils to remove any heavy buildup or debris.
  • During this time, they service the fan motor by cleaning the fan blades and adding any electric motor oil to the parts of the unit.
  • Lastly, replacing the inside air filter and vacuuming any buildup or debris around the inside air intake. The filter does a decent job of keeping most of the dust out of your AC’s internal parts. However, those finer dust particles can pass through the filter and collect on the coils. If a layer of dust becomes thick enough, this dust can hinder the unit’s cooling capabilities and even cause it to stop working and seize up.

WARNING: NEVER WORK ON LIVE ELECTRONICS AND NOT ALL UNITS ARE THE SAME. THIS IS WHY A LICENSED HVAC PROFESSIONAL IS NEEDED.

Preventative maintenance can help improve its performance, efficiency, longevity, and reliability. As well as removing any harmful dust and mold that may be entering your home. Preventive maintenance saves money, but it’s not about money as much as it is about time.  Don’t lose time dealing with repairs that could have been prevented with proper maintenance!

Call now to schedule your service appointment at (512) 637-4237.

What Does A HVAC Contractor Do?

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Building a new home?

Selling an existing home?

Repairing broken equipment?

Need an upgrade to your cooling or heating system?

austin, tx hvac contractor

We rely on cooling and heating companies to keep our homes comfortable even during the hottest dog days of summer to the bitter cold ice storms of winter with Texas temperatures. HVAC contractors assure we stay comfortable all year long. But do you really know, what HVAC contractors do in Austin, TX and the surrounding areas?

Well, HVAC is an abbreviation for “Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.” Elite Heating and Air Conditioning HVAC contractors are professional skilled technicians, who specializes in the installation and maintenance of furnaces, boilers, heat pumps and central air conditioners. The main part of their job is identifying any maintenance risks that is happening on the current installed equipment. Then diagnosing any electrical and mechanical faults in the HVAC system. Plus, cleaning, testing, adjusting and repairing systems, and performing warranty services.

In addition, HVAC contractors typically help consumers decide which equipment to purchase for heating, cooling, and air quality in residential homes and businesses. As you can see, the job of an HVAC technician is quite complicated and can vary significantly from one home or business to the next. An experienced HVAC contractor will have the skills and training necessary to assess what needs to be done in an emergency and to perform the steps required for each job.

Some of the services you can expect to see with Elite Heating and Air Conditioning HVAC contractors:

Our HVAC technicians complete continuing education from cooling and heating manufacturers- HVAC contractors regularly stay up to date with their continuing education with the different manufacturers to learn about new products on the market. Also, HVAC contractors with Elite Heating and Air Conditioning (a certified Trane heating and air conditioning products dealer) must meet Trane’s standards, which means our HVAC contractors have met Trane’s stringent standards for installation, service, customer satisfaction and employee training. We do this so we’ll be better able to meet your AC needs.

Answer any customer service questions-Our qualified technicians are of assistance to you by answering your questions. We will help you figure out your HVAC system needs and can offer advice on how to keep the system running smoothly in your home or office.

Check local HVAC Code Regulations-They can determine whether your HVAC system is in good shape and up to code.  HVAC technicians must follow government regulations and local HVAC codes regarding the handling, conservation, recovery, recycling, and disposal of refrigerants and other fluids. So, if you’re buying a home, make sure to call on Elite Heating and Air Conditioning to inspect your property.

Install wiring-Whether it is an old or new home or business, HVAC contractors can help you or construction companies with their projects. HVAC contractors consults, designs, studies blueprints, testing of equipment, and installs or replaced the wiring that is needed for your home or business heating and cooling system.

Ductwork-An HVAC technician may complete the assembly and installation of the ductwork that distributes the heated or cooled air from the HVAC system. This can include cutting the sheet metal to form the ducts, attaching the ducts to the HVAC unit, and mounting the ductwork to the structure. It may also include the installation of registers where the ductwork connects to individual spaces.

Reset HVAC equipment, maintenance, repair-From time to time, it is necessary for systems to be reset or equipment needs to be calibrated. To ensure efficiency, heating, ventilation, and cooling systems, they must undergo regular maintenance checks; normally twice yearly, at the beginning of spring and at the beginning of autumn. These checks, include testing and cleaning the blower fan, checking the level of coolant in the cooling system, and testing the system’s thermostat and operation. HVAC contractor deal with problems or issues concerning the HVAC unit itself, thermostats and other controls, the air handling system, compressors, and refrigerant levels.

What should you consumers know about choosing an HVAC contractor?

No matter what your reason, choosing a new furnace or central A/C can be an intimidating process for anyone. These products are more complicated than any home improvement project because they require handling high-voltage electricity, plumbing, gas lines, and may vent combustible gases or refrigerants. This intricacy requires the help of a fully qualified and licensed HVAC contractor.

  1. Make sure you are quoted a good price

Estimate or dollar amount should be broken down with the different charges that the contractor expects to encounter. AC cost? Labor? Ductwork recommended and how much?

  1. Do your own research on the HVAC market and products.

You will want the equipment you purchase to be the correct one for your home or business that is more energy efficient. There are about 100 different brands, and thousands of different models on the market today to choose from. There are models that fit into your budget, fully featured running models or highly efficient running models.

Therefore, it is important to contact your trusted cooling and heating company for your installation, maintenance and repair of the ventilation; air conditioning systems or equipment needs. When you work with Elite, you can have peace of mind. We stand behind the quality of our products and services and provide a 10-year parts and 2-year labor warranty. Elite Heating and Air Conditioning is a company you can trust to get the job done right.

Elite HVAC contractors have three goals to maintain for their customers:

  1. To Prevent Current Problems or Future Problems
  2. To Help You Save Money and Be Energy-Efficient
  3. Stay Comfortable in the Home or Office.

Our technicians are waiting for to help you with all your heating and air conditioning needs.

Call us now a list of our complete HVAC contractor services, (512) 637-4237. Customer service representatives are waiting to answer your HVAC questions and set up your appointment.

AC SEER Rating Explained

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Every Texas, homeowner wants their house to be as energy-efficient, especially during the grueling summer months when most people use their air conditioners around the clock. Here is the key to keeping your energy bills down while still remaining comfortable in the summer heat with an energy-efficient air conditioning unit. Thinking about upgrading your air conditioner. Well, there are several things you should know before buying a new unit. There are a lot of parts that go into figuring out and understanding what a good SEER rating is for your home or business.

ac sear ratings explained

Home Air Conditioner Seer Ratings Explained – What is SEER Rating?

SEER stands for the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). The SEER rating is based on the amount of energy it consumes compared to its cooling output through the cooling seasons. In other words, the SEER measures your air conditioning and heat pump cooling efficiency. When you purchase a new air conditioning unit, it comes with a SEER Rating, which indicates the energy efficiency of a particular air conditioning unit. You can find this SEER rating, it is a number prominently displayed on the bright yellow Energy Guide sticker on the side of all air conditioners and other HVAC equipment.

According to the requirements by the U.S. Department of Energy, sets the energy-efficiency standards for HVAC equipment that manufacturers must meet. In Texas, your air conditioning unit must have, at minimum, a SEER rating of 14, to a maximum of 21 or 25 SEER rating. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the unit is, and the more money you can expect to save by running it. Generally, the 14 SEER units are a good SEER rating for most people…these AC units are considered the work-horses; rugged, tough, and most importantly, reliable in any home or business.

When you’re looking into a new AC unit, there are several choices between several SEER ratings. If you just look at the SEER rating on the yellow sticker, you may be tempted to buy the highest SEER system and be done with it. If you are not on a budget, then you have that option, although it’s not really cost-effective. When determining what SEER rating is best for you and your home, it’s better to do a cost analysis of how much money you will save with a higher-efficiency system compared to the upfront cost. A good rule of thumb, a good SEER rating is the highest you can afford while still being cost-effective.

It is important to speak with your Elite Heating and Air Conditioning HVAC technician and make sure that you’re getting the best unit for your home?

The efficiency of your system can also depend on the size of your home, the external climate, the need for insulation, the kind of current ductwork and other variables to a properly functioning unit. Also, keep in mind, the square footage that you’re intending to cool because you will need a unit that’s sized to match your home or business needs. Buying an air conditioning unit that’s too large can be just as bad as purchasing one that’s too small. So, it’s important to ensure that you choose an air conditioner with the right SEER rating. For example, people living in Austin, Texas, which has very hot summers, would need more AC output for their square footage then somebody living in Montana.

Still on the fence…..?

Think about this, the more cooling or heating a system puts out for each unit of energy it consumes, this means the unit will receive a higher rating. Thus it is most likely your AC unit is the most energy consuming appliance in your home. So, the higher the efficiency rating of your system, the less energy it will consume, this means lower utility bill costs for your home or business and less of an impact on the environment. Meanwhile, being energy efficient and saving you money over a period of time.

To get the most out of your system, make sure that your home doesn’t have any issues that could impact the efficiency of your new air conditioning unit. Make sure a professional HVAC technician to examine your ductwork. These ducts can become damaged over time and develop air leaks, which lowers the efficiency of your AC unit. You will need to have your ductwork sealed and have more insulation installed to help with the efficiency savings of your unit.

When AC units perform inefficiently, they cycle on and off quickly. This is a problem, we see this with over-sized installed AC units. The SEER ratings assume that the air conditioner will be used in an appropriately sized house and experience decent run times.

You will need to pay more upfront if you want an air conditioning unit with a higher SEER rating. However, you’ll save a lot of money by lowering your energy bills over the long-term. But, before you purchase a new AC unit, think about if you’re not expecting to be in the home for much longer, you may not want to spend as much money on a new AC unit, although a better unit can typically increases the resale value.

However, you are in luck, Elite Heating and Air Conditioning has financing available. Also, ask us about any specials, offers, extra incentives, manufacturer specials, tax credits, or rebates. Usually, utility companies will often compensate homeowners to install high-efficiency systems, which can help save you some money on cooling your home. While the SEER rating is important, it’s only the first step in having an efficient system.

If you’re still unsure about the effect of SEER rating on your home’s cooling system, give Elite Heating and Air Conditioning a call at (512) 637-4237. Our representatives and technicians would love to talk to you and offer assistance in any way on SEER ratings and a new AC unit for your home or business.

New AC Systems Offer Savings in Energy

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Air Conditioning is the most modern invention that is essential with the sole purpose of making the indoor environment comfortable. Americans spend billions of dollars every year keeping their homes cool and comfortable in the summer season.

What is HVAC and how does it work?

new HVAC offers energy savings

Your AC uses electricity and coolant liquid to reduce the temperature of the air, while sending hot air outside and cool air inside. Ductwork is the transit system for hot and cold air throughout the home. It moves it throughout the interior of your home. The thermostat acts as the brain of your system.

The HVAC consumes a significant amount of energy. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, around half of our home’s energy use goes toward heating and cooling our homes. A more energy efficient HVAC System will help you save energy and money across your home. Regular HVAC system repairs are expensive and means spending more money than your budget may allow.

A home that is not comfortable is no home at all. If your system never seems to get you to that comfortable place, it will be worth it to buy a new HVAC System. This is possibly the number one sign it’s time to replace your system. When you no longer feel comfortable in your own home, you know it’s time to say goodbye to your outdated HVAC System.

Many times, it is one of the first signs your HVAC is on it’s way out; no matter what you set your thermostat to, your home is never cool enough. Yet somehow you still face huge utility bills each month. If your system isn’t doing the job anymore, it’s time to move on. As a homeowner, one of the hardest questions you will ever ask yourself is “do I repair, or replace my HVAC?” While it might seem thrifty to repair your system, the more economical decision is often to replace.

Most families do not have the expertise of answering the big question, should they repair or replace? Replacing your HVAC system is an investment, so it’s good to educate yourself on when to replace your HVAC System.

How you can save energy and money by upgrading from your old air conditioner to a more efficient model?

An aging HVAC system is going to break down more often. There is a significant amount of energy, and cost savings when you switch from an inefficient, worn-out heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system to a new energy-efficient model.

This is why at Elite Heating and Air Conditioning we recommend installing Trane AC units, which can significantly reduce energy consumption. So, whether you replace a 10-year-old window or central AC unit with a Trane model, you can cut your cooling costs, while putting money back into your pocket. This is especially true if you live in hot, humid climates. A high efficiency air conditioner is an investment in your home comfort and safety.

As HVAC systems age they become less energy efficient and may need to be replaced. When is a good time to replace my AC?

It is interesting, heating and cooling systems account for almost 50 percent of a household’s electricity bill. Today’s HVAC systems are designed to be more energy efficient. You’ll want to make sure and look for air conditioners with the Energy Star label and a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) of 14 and higher. The higher the rating, the more energy efficient it is. Be assured, here at Elite Heating and AC, we use Trane, who has partnered with the EPA to label their high-efficiency systems with the ENERGY STAR label. We want you, homeowners to easily identify those higher-efficiency products that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions on our environment, while reducing your annual energy bill.

A new air conditioning unit is a major expense that most homeowners do not plan for, even if there are signs the system is failing. We understand, you may need to postpone and delay the replacement of your AC for certain reasons. However, it does make little sense to continue shelling more money on repairs and replacements for an old AC system that has already outlived its lifespan.

There are a few key things to look for when you are buying a new energy-efficient air conditioner. How to help keep your energy bill and the temperature in your home low?

Air conditioner sizing is the single most important factor to consider when purchasing an air conditioning system. Properly sizing your air conditioner is important to ensure your home is being cooled without wasting excess energy. A too-large unit will not cool the air faster or better, but leave the air damp and clammy. A too-small unit will have to work overtime to maintain the set temperature, which drives up your energy bill.

Air conditioners work by reducing the humidity and reducing the temperature. Modern high efficiency AC systems have features with variable speed motors that work to remove impurities from the air and ensure consistent airflow. This means, you as a homeowner are likely to enjoy better air quality and more regulated temperatures in your home. They also operate quietly, as opposed to older systems. In addition to running more efficiently at a cheaper cost, new AC systems are also leaving their mark on the environment by being greener and a safer form of cooling happening in your home or office.

Contact the licensed technicians at Elite Heating and Air Conditioning to help you understand the correct model you need for your size space. Our belief is that honesty, integrity, and hard work are what makes us successful as individuals and as a company, we live and work by these beliefs every day.

Have you forgotten to turn down the thermostat when no one is home or in the office?

Well, everyone has done it. Here is another way to save energy and costs. We recommend increasing your HVAC energy efficiency with an automated system that controls your lights, and the thermostat. You can always adjust the controls to go on or off on your schedule. Smart Thermostats give you the ability to remotely adjust the comfort settings of your HVAC system. These Smart Thermostats allow you to control your home’s heating and cooling comfort remotely from your electronic devices (laptop, tablet, mobile).

So, the next time you run out and forget to adjust the thermostat, no worries. Simply pull up the online app and adjust your setting in seconds and CONTROL FROM ANYWHERE. The cool features of these Smart Thermostats provide convenience, and they can significantly reduce your energy bills.

Homeowners wanting to upgrade their cooling system should consider investing in a high efficiency Trane Air Conditioners. HVAC energy efficiency starts with a mindset of using less and getting the most out of what you have.

You don’t need to be struggling with an inefficient HVAC system and high energy bills. The savings, you will enjoy from a more energy-efficient system will eventually offset the initial installation cost. To learn more about the benefits of installing an energy efficient air conditioning unit, we will gladly answer any questions that you might have. Elite Heating and Air Conditioning is available 24/7 and our quality service is guaranteed. Stay cool while saving money this summer, so give us a call today at (512)368-8590!

When Is It Best To Replace Your Home AC?

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Air conditioners units or HVAC systems are not built to last forever. Maybe your old AC unit has quit working or you need a new energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly system. According to the National Association of Home Builders, you should consider replacing your AC system every 10-15 years. But figuring out whether you should repair or replace your air conditioner can be a difficult decision. Although a new air conditioner can be a big investment, so can the costs of continuing to repair and operate an old or inefficient AC unit. 

austin, tx home ac replacment

So, if your wondering if you should repair or replace your AC unit? This answer depends on…

The age of your unit

-Well this is easy, if your air conditioner is over 10-15 years old, then it might be better to replace it. If your system was well-maintained it will last about 15 years. Older A/C units lose efficiency as they age and break down. Newer air conditioning systems are all manufactured to comply with HVAC regulations and are designed to be much more energy-efficient, and far more eco-friendly because they release fewer carbon emissions. Installing a new air conditioning system, you will notice a significant improvement in your home’s indoor air quality. 

Bonus…A newer air conditioning system will also increase the resale value of your home. 

The cost of repairs increasing:

-However, if you’re in need of expensive repairs and your HVAC is more than 10 years old, it will often make more sense to replace it. Other signs costs are increasing is the amount of money you are paying for AC repairs, and the frequency with which you have to have the system repaired. If your utility bills are increasing and there is not a change in the way you are using it, this is a good indication that your system is no longer as efficient as it should be and should be replaced. 

Your AC has frequent breakdowns, noisy, dust:

-Instead of shelling out money for every little repair, it may be more cost effective to simply replace the air conditioner. These repair costs can really add up, and it doesn’t make sense to keep making them on the older units. If you notice a constant presence of excess dust in your home or office, even after cleaning, this is a good sign there may be problems with the ductwork or a leak. Leaks will compromise the efficiency of your AC system. If your AC is noisy, there could be a problem with the size of your unit compared to the size of the home. When strange noises come from unexpected sources, it should often be taken seriously and should be replaced. 

Noticing high energy bills:

-Have you noticed that your energy bills keep rising, but your utility company did not raise the rates. This happens when an air system consumes too much energy, the problem is usually because of failing mechanisms that struggle to perform the same basic functions that they once did effortlessly. They end up consuming more power to cool your home, which raises your monthly utility bill. A new air conditioner unit may end up eliminating the constant repair costs, lowering your utility bills, and increasing the resale value of your home. However, high energy bills could mean, your house or office is poorly insulated and this puts a strain on your HVAC system. 

Bonus….Home buyers are willing to pay more for a home with an updated and more efficient cooling system.

Problems with the AC regulating humidity or keeping all rooms cool:

-Air conditioners are built to cool and dehumidify your home’s inside air. Perhaps, you live in climates where temperatures rise higher than 75 degrees, from March to October. Well, hotter climates face greater demands on the HVAC system. You are liable to run into performance issues sooner. So, if your home feels humid during this time it could point to a faulty A/C, which may need replacing. When it functions, the system will maintain consistent temperatures throughout the house. If your A/C system seems less powerful than it did the previous year, it may be your AC system could be losing its power. Therefore, a sign of an aging air conditioner or even an incorrectly sized AC system in your home or office. 

Recently changed the size of your home, remodeling, or adding a room:

-AC systems are designed according to the interior dimensions of a given house. So, when you change the dimensional requirements of your home or office, you should contact one of our technicians at Elite Heating and Air Conditioning to help you in determining the amount of air the system will need to move to adequately and equally cool each room. Your AC unit will last longer, if you maintain it monthly and do your bi-annual AC maintenance checkup. Preventative maintenance helps to ensure your system works efficiently. So, the best way to avoid costly, expensive, and time-consuming repairs is by scheduling your regular maintenance checks on all residential and commercial heating and air conditioning equipment with Elite Heating and Air Conditioning. 

Ask yourself, if it is worth your while to spend the money on repairs? 

Don’t panic at the prospect of having to come up with a lot of money upfront! We offer financing with convenient monthly payments to fit your budget.

At Elite Heating and Air Conditioning, we will find ways for you to increase energy efficiency and reduce your business or office’s energy bills. We offer a full range of Trane air conditioning products and services, outstanding service and repairs done quickly and efficiently, knowledgeable and skilled replacement advice from our highly trained technicians, and quality new installations for your home or business.

If you have any questions about when to replace your air conditioner, or if you’d like a cooling system serviced or installed in your home, contact Elite Heating and Air Conditioning.

Schedule your repair or get a replacement quote by calling (512) 637-4237 now.

Austin Pets Alive: Austin, TX AC Replacement

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We recently replaced an air conditioner for Austin Pets Alive.  Here are some photographs from behind the scenes.

Photography by Austin SpotOn photography.