blog

In our first post, Your Air Conditioner in Austin: Myths vs. Fact, Part 1, we had 5 myths about your A/C unit and its efficiency. Here are 5 more myths that can keep you from doing what is best for your air conditioner.

1. Turning Down The Thermostat Means Your Home Will Get Cooled Quicker

Turning down the thermostat won’t cool your home any quicker. Your air conditioner in Austin, Texas can only pump out so much cold air at a time. Turning the thermostat down will only keep your system on until the desired temperature is reached, however long that takes.

2. Window A/C Units Are A Good Solution For Uncomfortable Rooms

You know that room in the back of your house that is always warmer than the rest? A window unit will suck extra power, and it won’t fix the real problem. If the room is properly insulated, then there is most likely a problem with the ductwork. Having a leak repaired or balancing the system so all rooms get the same amount of cold air are the best solutions and will help increase your units efficiency.

3. If You Make Your House Too Airtight, It Can Be Dangerous

Getting air into your home is not generally a problem; how much comes in and where it comes from can be. If air is leaking in through the attic, garage or basement, it can be bringing bad air into your home. Controlling where it comes from and the amount getting in is better for the efficiency of your home.

4. You Can Tell Where You Are Leaking Air

False. Most leaks are hidden from view, like in your ducts or through your ceiling. Here at Airco Mechanical, we offer energy audits, which is the best way to find leaks that need to be fixed.

 5. Running A Humidifier Is The Best Way To Increase Humidity During The Winter

Your home loses humidity when your HVAC in Austin, Texas converts cold air into warm air; therefore, the best solution is to fix the leaks that are letting in cold air.

If you want or need anything done for your air conditioner, we here at Airco Mechanical have the knowledge and experience to make it happen. Give us a call at 512.634.8049 or visit http://aircoaustin.com/green-services/ to learn more about how we can help you.

Separating myth from fact can be difficult. That’s why we have done the work for you! Here are 5 common myths, the truth of which can save you a lot of money.

1. The Less My Air Conditioner Runs, The Lower My Electric Bill Will Be

This is not necessarily true. Your air conditioner in Austin, Texas uses more energy when it starts up than during the next 25 minutes. Instead, your system should run for about 40 minutes every hour for optimal comfort and energy consumption. Running more than 50 minutes every hour can tax your system and make your house uncomfortably dry.

2. Energy Efficiency And Conservation Mean The Same Thing

This is false. Efficiency means that your unit uses less energy to keep you comfortable. Conservation means that you keep your home a little less comfortable in order to save on your energy bill.

3. Buying An Energy Efficient Unit Will Reduce Your Energy Bill

While energy efficient units are great for lowering your energy bill, if it is the wrong size or installed incorrectly, then it can cost you as much to run as an older unit. That is why it is important to have an honest and knowledgeable person handle your system selection and installation, like our technicians here at Airco Mechanical.

4. If You Close Your Vents, You Can Reduce Your Energy Bill

Proper airflow is essential to your system. If you close vents, you can tax the system to the point of breaking. In addition, the rooms that no longer receive air will pull air from the rest of your home to try to balance things out. If you want to seal off a room, it is best to have the duct redirected so the air can go where it is needed.

5. Improving The Efficiency Of Your Home Doesn’t Increase Its Value

According to the National Association of Home Builders, or NAHB, homebuyers are willing to pay 2%-3% more for a home that is energy efficient. That is about $4,000-$6,000 more for a $200,000 home.

If you want to improve the energy of your air conditioner, you should call us at 512.634.8049. We can help you find and install a newer, more efficient unit, or service the one you have so it can run at its most efficient. Check back for our next post debunking more A/C myths.

Keeping your commercial HVAC system running well is important to your business, but are you doing everything you can for it? Here are 4 services that can save you money and prolong the life of your system.

1. Maintenance

You probably know that your system needs maintenance, but do you know how important it is? It keeps your energy bill down by increasing efficiency and helps to prevent failures by catching kinks before they have a chance to cause a problem. Having your system maintained every spring and fall ensures you are ready for the strain of summer and winter.

2. Air Balancing

Keeping your whole building comfortable can be a difficult task. If your building isn’t split into separate zones for custom temperature control, then you may want to look into having the air balanced. This service takes a look at your duct system, shoring up leaks and making sure that every room gets enough air to make it comfortable.

3. Energy Audits

You have probably heard that energy audits are great for homeowners, but business owners can benefit from them, too. Energy audits help to pinpoint areas of your business that are putting a drain on your energy bill, which makes them beneficial for anyone looking to save money.

4. Programmable Thermostats

If you have an older system, it may be a good idea to replace it. If you are not in a position to do that, and your system is still in good running order, then you may be able to benefit from a programmable thermostat. This allows you to automatically adjust the temperature so that the system runs less frequently when the building is closed.

No matter what your commercial HVAC needs are, we here at Airco have the tools and experience to help. You can visit our website at http://aircoaustin.com/ to find out more about our services or call us at 512.634.8049. We are available day and night for your convenience.

Knowing when to replace your air conditioning system is a question many homeowners have. While the answer will vary depending on many different factors, here are some signs you can look for.

It is more cost effective to replace it.

Depending on the system you have, as well as the care it has received, air conditioners in Austin, Texas can last anywhere from five to fifteen years or more. While maintaining an old unit means you can keep it running at its most efficient, newer units run much more efficiently than older models. Replacing your system may be more cost effective than simply continuing to maintain it. In addition, you may be eligible for tax credits for upgrading your system to a more efficient model.

Repairing would only be a temporary fix.

Sometimes a repair can be done, but doing so would only put a bandage on the problem. Our certified technicians will inform you of all your options, and will let you know if a solution is a temporary or permanent fix.

It no longer serves your needs.

You may discover that your child has allergies, and purchasing a new unit that will reduce the amount of allergens in the air would help. Or maybe you added on to your home and the unit is too small for the new square footage. No matter the reason, you have simply outgrown your old unit and it’s time for an upgrade.

It is beyond repair.

Sometimes your system is simply broken. At this point, there really is no other option than to have your system replaced.

No matter the reason, here at Airco Mechanical we strive to bring you honest communication so you can make the best decision for you and your household. Our certified technicians are standing by, so contact us today at 512.634.8049 or visit our website at http://aircoaustin.com/airconditioner/ to find out how we can help you!

With the housing market on the rebound, many homeowners are thinking about selling. While you may not be looking to sell right now, making improvements can substantially increase the value of your home. So how can your air conditioner in Austin, Texas help?

Lower Electricity Bills

Technology is moving at an incredible rate, and everyone wants the latest and greatest thing. There have been some major improvements in the manufacturing of air conditioners, and newer models operate with less than three percent waste – a vast improvement over older models that waste nearly fifty percent of the cool air they generate. This means lower electricity bills, which is an impressive feature to homebuyers.

Better Thermostats

Newer models have better thermostats. These newer thermostats have better sensitivity, and better control over the environment. Many are also programmable, allowing for increased energy savings. Sure, you can get a new thermostat for an old system and it will help reduce your bills, but it will have little to no impact on the resale value of your home.

Better for the Environment

In addition to being more efficient, newer models are also better for the environment. Older air conditioners utilized Freon for the cooling process. Your air conditioner uses a closed system of tubes to convert liquid coolant to gas and back again in order to pull heat out of the air and pump cool air in. While this is not generally harmful, if an older system develops a leak, it can release toxins. In addition, a professional should handle any extra Freon to make sure it is properly disposed of. Newer models use a coolant that is much less toxic in its composition and conversion.

So if you want to increase the value of your home, especially as it appeals to buyers, then you should look at your air conditioner in Austin, Texas. A newer A/C unit is safer, more efficient, and increases the confidence of buyers, who want to know that they are making a good investment.

If you are looking to upgrade your air conditioner, you should give us a call at 512.634.8049. Here at Airco Mechanical we pride ourselves in honest communication and professional service and installations so you can be confident that your new system will be an asset to your home.

Your air conditioner is a wonder of science. Have you ever really thought about how it works? Chances are, the only time you think about it is when it stops working. Whether you are looking to better understand the cooling process, or you simply stumbled upon this post, knowing how your system works can be beneficial.

Phase conversion is the first part of the process used to cool your home. Basically, it turns liquid coolant into a gas, a process that results in the absorption of heat. This gas is pushed through a closed system of coils, where fans can direct the cold air through the duct system and into your home.

Once the refrigerant has turned into a gas and absorbed the heat, it needs to get turned back into a liquid so it can get rid of the heat. This is called phase transition. The liquid is pushed through more coils, where fans can disperse the heat outside. Then the coolant is ready to cycle back through your air conditioner in Austin, Texas to keep cooling your home.

The air inside your home is also on a continuous loop. Air gets pulled in through the intake where the filter is located. Filters are necessary because they reduce the number of particles that are allowed to get into your duct system. If filters are not cleaned or changed on a regular basis, it can impede the airflow in your home. Low airflow means less circulation, which means your system has to work harder to cool your home. Once air is taken in and cooled, it is distributed through your home through the duct system and out through the registers.

Air conditioning in Austin, Texas also serves to dehumidify the air. This moisture is collected in pans attached to the A/C unit and drained outside. Due to the near constant presence of moisture in these pans, algae can begin to grow. If not tended to, the algae can clog the drain, causing the liquid to spill out of the pan and into your home.
Once you become familiar with the way your air conditioner functions, you come to realize that it needs regular maintenance to function properly. That is why we at Airco Mechanical offer two great maintenance plans. To find out more, you can check out our website at http://aircoaustin.com/airconditioningmaintenance/ or contact one of our associates at 512.634.8049. We have the knowledge and experience to keep your unit running great for the long haul.

As the heat rises in during the Austin summer, so does the liklihood that you’ll need air conditioning repair. Your unit has to work hard to combat the rising temperatures, and we can help give your unit the boost it needs to survive the inevitable scortching temperatures. Following are some of things your unit needs to weather the heat.

During a maintenance visit, your technician will check your unit’s coolant levels. Not only will the technician refill it if there is a need, but he will also check for leaks. If your system has a leak, then your system will lose its ability to cool. In addition, leaking coolant may pose environmental and health hazards.

While there, your technician will also clean the condenser coils, oil the motor, and check the compressor belts as needed. All these steps will help to increase efficiency and it will give him a chance to find anything that needs to be repaired or replaced.

There are also some things that you can do yourself to keep your Austin air conditioner running well. Trim back any plants that are growing around the outside unit. While shading your unit increases efficiency, if plants are allowed to grow too close, they can hinder airflow, reducing efficiency. Even worse, if plants grow into the unit, they can get into the motor and burn it out.

Replacing your filters regularly will help reduce the amount of particles that are allowed to get into your system. A buildup of particles on the filter or in the ductwork can hinder airflow, which will make your system work harder. A unit that has to work harder to do its job while struggling against the hot Texas weather is almost sure to break down. At the very least, it will significantly drive up your energy bill.

Regular maintenance will give your unit an edge when it comes to keeping your home comfortable during the dog days of summer. So make sure you are ready for the hot weather and talk to an Airco Mechanical associate today at 512.634.8049 to get the maintenance your unit needs.

While doing your own air conditioner service may be tempting, there are several reasons why you should hire a professional for the job.

1. It is dangerous.

What you don’t know can hurt you. For instance, you should turn off the power to your air conditioner in Austin, Texas before servicing to avoid electric shock. Also, if you don’t know how to handle the coolant properly, you could create an environmental hazard. Don’t put yourself or others at risk just to save a few dollars.

2. You don’t have the right tools.

There are some tools that are needed to maintain your unit properly. If you need to straighten out condenser fins, for instance, there is a special comb tool that can be used. These fins are somewhat delicate, and using the wrong tool could result in breaking things.

3. You’re unfamiliar with the equipment.

Our Airco Mechanical certified technicians have spent years learning about and working with all different kinds of A/C units in order to ensure they know what they are doing. This is knowledge that can’t be learned over night. Once you get inside your unit, chances are you wouldn’t recognize signs of wear and tear that could lead to bigger problems. Our certified technician can inform you of costs and options, fix problems, and let you know about how long a fix will last.

4. You can void your warranty.

Most manufacturer warranties come with a stipulation that you must have regular air conditioning service in order to keep your warranty valid. Hiring our professional service means you can effectively prove compliance if the validity of your warranty ever comes into question.

5. It is expensive.

While keeping your system maintained will help increase its efficiency, improper air conditioner service in Austin, Texas can have a very serious negative impact. Little mistakes, like overfilling the coolant, can cause your unit to run very inefficiently, and it may cause your system to break down. Paying to repair or replace your system will cost much more than a maintenance visit. Don’t roll the dice when it comes to your air conditioner. Our Airco Mechanical certified technicians are highly qualified and available day and night to take care of your A/C needs. Call us now at 512.634.8049 to schedule an appointment and get your unit running at its peak efficiency.

You probably know several things about your air conditioner, like the fact that it cools your home and helps you beat the heat during those hot Texas summers. But here are 5 interesting facts that you probably didn’t know.

1. Your air conditioner in Austin, Texas dehumidifies the air.

This is a natural byproduct of the cooling process. Condensation is collected in a pan underneath your unit, and then drained outdoors. During the summer, this pan will always have water in it, which will eventually lead to the growth of algae and mold. If the unit doesn’t receive regular maintenance, then the pipe can become clogged with slime. If this happens the water can overflow, causing damage to your home.

2. Regular maintenance can double the life of your unit.

Regular maintenance can increase the efficiency of your unit, which will reduce the cost of running it. This will help reduce wear and tear on your unit, which will significantly increase its overall lifespan. It can also help you avert major repairs, as we can find small problems and fix them before they have the chance to do real damage. In addition, your warranty may require maintenance to remain in effect. Here at Airco Mechanical, we offer regular maintenance programs to help make maintenance more convenient for you.

3. Your air ducts can deteriorate and develop leaks.

Over time, joints can lose their seals, holes can develop, and connections may be lost. This can result in inadequate cooling of affected rooms and may drive up your energy bill as you seek to compensate for the lack of cool air. You should have your ducts inspected every 3-5 years to help prevent these problems.

4. If you have indoor allergies, your A/C may be able to help.

Existing units can be outfitted with UV lights and electrostatic filters to help kill or trap allergens in your home. If you are in the market for a new unit, we can help you find one specifically designed to help clean your air.

5. Your system is basically a large scale refrigerator. 

The cooling systems of both of these major appliances work in much the same way. Like a refrigerator, if your home is properly insulated and sealed, it can hold the cold air longer. Contact an Airco Mechanical associate today at http://aircoaustin.com/green-services/ or 512.634.8049 to schedule a free energy audit to see how you can improve the cold air retention of your home

Copper theft seems to be a major problem these days. You have probably seen the stories in the news about air conditioning units being plundered for their abundance of copper. If you want to protect yourself from having to replace the stolen parts or the entire unit due to theft, then you may want to take action.

Get An Air Conditioner Cage 

One of the best deterrents out there is an A/C cage. Most cages are made of tube steel and wire mesh, providing a daunting barrier for thieves while allowing proper airflow to your unit. Some cages are constructed with access panels so technicians can easily provide air conditioning service in Austin, Texas. If this is the design you choose, make sure you keep the panel locked so your HVAC remains secure when not being serviced.

Install Motion Sensor Lights

As an added measure of protection, you may want to consider installing motion detection lights. Thieves rely on the cover of darkness to help protect them from being discovered. With motion activated floodlights, approaching the air conditioner outside of your Austin home undetected becomes virtually impossible, which will deter most thieves.

Other Measures to Consider

While not an option for all homeowners, a dog may be able to warn you if danger is approaching. If the dog looks formidable enough, potential predators will probably think twice before trying to mess with your home.

If all else fails, your homeowners insurance should cover a portion of the damages to your system due to theft. This may or may not be very helpful depending on the type of coverage you have and the how high the deductible is, but this should be reported to your insurance agency regardless.

If your unit has already been targeted, you can our website at http://aircoaustin.com/airconditionerrepair/ or call us at 512.634.8049 for more information on how we can help restore you air conditioner.