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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.

Most heating and cooling units in Austin come with a manufacturer’s warranty, which will cover the cost of parts and labor if your unit breaks down. While your warranty will only be active for so long, you should know that manufacturers many times attach conditions to their warranty. This means that if you fail to follow to the manufacturer’s requirements, then your warranty will be voided.

Below are some ways to ensure that your system remains protected.

When you purchase a new unit, you will probably have the option of purchasing an extended warranty plan. This is a good way to extend your coverage, and many people will opt for this. It is important to note, though, that no matter how much you pay for extended protection, you will still have to follow the terms of the warranty in order for it to remain in effect.

Proper maintenance is perhaps the most common term of a manufacturer’s warranty. If you are unable to prove that you have provided proper maintenance, your warranty will be voided. That is why we here at Airco Mechanical have come up with two great maintenance plans for those in Austin and other surrounding communities: the Essential Service Plan and the Essential HomeCare Plus plan. With either plan, you will benefit from two maintenance visits per year. This not only helps to ensure that your warranty remains intact for the full term, but it will also help keep your unit energy efficient.

If you are questioning whether or not your unit is still protected by the manufacturer’s warranty, then you should call us! We can do a little research to find out for you. While you are at it, you should sign up for one of our great service plans. If you are about to run out of coverage or your warranty has already expired, then our Essential HomeCare Plus plan is for you. Not only do we provide regular maintenance with this plan, but we will also cover any extra parts or maintenance that your unit needs in between appointments.

So don’t wait until your unit breaks down to find out if you are protected. It only takes a quick call to one of our Airco Mechanical associates at 512.634.8049 to find the peace of mind that you are looking for.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, one out of every five Americans suffers from allergies and asthma. Furthermore, they state that the occurrence of asthma is “highly correlated with poverty, urban air quality, indoor allergens, and lack of patient education and inadequate medical care.” That is why we here at Airco Mechanical offer the residents of Austin, TX the means to make their indoor air cleaner.

If you or a member of your household suffers from allergies, you may want to consider having your air ducts cleaned on a regular basis. This will help eliminate any contaminants that are simply being circulated through your home again and again, such as dust and pet dander.

Allergen reducing features can be added to your existing HVAC system. Some features that are available include electrostatic filters and UV lights. These additions can trap or neutralize allergens to help keep your air clean.

Some new HVAC units are specifically designed to purify your air in addition to heating and cooling your home. This may be the preferable option if your system is an older model. Residents of Austin, TX can earn rebates and discounts for increasing the energy efficiency of their home and system through our Austin Energy’s “Best Offer Ever” campaign, which we are running through March 31, 2013. You will also be eligible for a tax credit, which is available through the end of the year. This means that right now is the most affordable time to upgrade your system.

So don’t continue to suffer in your own home. Contact one of our friendly staff at Airco Mechanical today by calling 512.634.8049 or visiting aircoaustin.com to get started. You may be amazed by just how much better you will feel when you are finally able to breathe clean air again.

Who isn’t looking for a way to save money these days? Well there is good news for all of you living in the Austin, TX area: We at Airco Mechanical have ways to significantly reduce your energy bill. Your air conditioning system consumes the most energy in your home – nearly half of your total bill – so increasing its efficiency can bring significant savings.

The best place to start is by getting your home assessed through an energy audit. This service is free, so it won’t cost you a penny to see how you can start saving. We will come out to your house to see what areas of your home are vulnerable to the outside elements. Some recommendations we may make to improve your weather proofing include:

• Insulating – If your home is not sufficiently insulated, you could be losing much of the hot or cool air you are paying for.
• Weather Stripping – It is imperative that you properly seal out the elements around your windows and doors or it could lead to extra energy expenses.
• Solar Screens or Film – You don’t have to replace your windows to increase their efficiency. Solar screens and film are an easy and inexpensive way to help you keep your home at your desired temperature.

In addition to improving your home’s efficiency in Austin, TX, we will look at your A/C system to see what improvements can be made. Repairing or improving your duct work, balancing the airflow to heat and cool your home more evenly, or replacing your unit with a more efficient model are some possible ways you may be able to improve your system’s efficiency.

You should feel confident knowing that you will not be pressured into making a decision that you don’t feel comfortable with. We will simply discuss all of your options, including any rebates, discounts and incentives that are available to you. This way you can make an informed decision about any work you may want done.

We at Airco Mechanical will always be here to help you, but the rebates and incentives will only be here until March 31, 2013. You have nothing to lose by getting an energy audit, so call us today at 512.634.8049 or visit us online at aircoaustin.com. We look forward to helping you with all of your heating and air conditioning needs as together we try to make the world a little greener and a little more affordable.

You want to make a smart decision when choosing a company for your heating service in Austin, so how do you know whom to choose? Here are some tips to help you decide.

It is always a good idea to make sure the company you are thinking of hiring is properly certified and insured. It should be easy for them to provide you with proof of their certification, and those who cannot should immediately be crossed off your list.

A good reputation goes a long way. Ask your friends and family who they trust, go online and see what customers are saying, and check with your Better Business Bureau to make sure they are in good standing. A good company will have a good reputation, which goes a long way towards validating its business practices.

Make sure the company is dedicated to service. Here at Airco Mechanical, we understand that your system can fail on you at any time of the day or night, which is why we are available whenever you need us.

They should also be committed to transparency in their communication. You may not be a certified technician, but that doesn’t mean you want them to make all the decisions for you. Our technicians will let you know what needs to be fixed, how much it will cost and if the fix will be permanent or if it will just hold for a little while. This allows you to make an informed decision on what work you want done.

In addition to exemplary heating service in Austin, the company you choose should be able to stand behind the work it does. That is why we guarantee your satisfaction. A company that cannot guarantee its work shows how little confidence it has in itself, so why should you have confidence in it?

No matter what your needs are when it comes to having your home or business heated or cooled, we at Airco Mechanical can help. So call us now at 512.634.8049 to get your unit repaired or replaced, or to schedule maintenance, because making your home comfortable is what we do.