Air conditioners are a must-have for a comfortable indoor environment and during the heat of summer days, their importance increases tenfold. But as essential as these are, like any other electrical appliance, they are also very prone to breaking down, more so during summer when their workload increases. HVAC units rely on an extraordinarily complex system of parts working together to achieve their purpose, and it is no surprise that one or more of these parts can act up sometimes.
As a homeowner, you should have a general idea of what it entails to get your AC repaired. It is more likely than not that at some point in the future, you will have to get your AC serviced, and the more knowledge you have on the matter, the better for you.
In this guide, we will go through all the factors homeowners should be aware of about AC repair in Dallas, TX. From understanding and identifying common problems to choosing the best repair service provider, this guide covers it all.
Common Problems and Their Sources
Inside the AC, there are hundreds of electronic parts working together to serve its purpose, and any kind of fault in these electronic components cause issues. From the AC not turning on to strange noises, higher energy bills or ice buildup, the possibilities are unfortunately many.
Excluding the electrical side of things, several physical issues within the AC can be a source of other problems as well. The most common of these is a dirty air filter, which makes your AC inefficient by making it work harder than it needs to. ACs also constantly produce condensation when cooling your home, and the excess water needs to be expelled properly, so a clogged drainage line can be problematic as well.
If your AC is not cooling properly, it might be because of a refrigerant leak, another frequently seen complication in HVAC systems. Refrigerant fluid is crucial to the heat transfer process, so if your system has an undercharged refrigerant level, it is no surprise that you will not get the performance you expect from it. Inconsistent cooling could also be a result of a faulty thermostat, which regulates the AC’s temperature.
Choosing An AC Repair Service
For AC repair, Dallas is home to many service providers who specialize in HVAC repair, but it’s important to choose one that meets all the criteria. Experience is everything in this industry, and you must choose a company that has been in the business long enough to be familiar with all kinds of repairs. A repair service company is only as good as the technicians that work there, and one sign of how skilled a technician is whether they are NATE certified or not. Always go for companies that are home to NATE-certified technicians, a sign of excellence in the HVAC industry. Some brands that sell ACs also have their own team of technicians, who will be more knowledgeable than specialists from an outside company, and it might be worth trying to get hold of them.
It’s also important to check what other people are saying about the company’s service, and Google or Yelp reviews can be a big help in this matter.
One company in Texas that checks all these boxes is Green Leaf Air, Dallas residents’ favorite choice for HVAC repairs.
Lastly, a reliable way to ensure that you are in safe hands when it comes to getting your AC repaired is to ask family and friends for suggestions. If they were satisfied with the service, there is a high chance that you would be too.
Cost of HVAC Repair
The biggest concern for most people when considering the repair of their AC system is the cost associated with it. It’s hard to estimate the cost beforehand as it wholly depends on the severity of the repairs needed, but there are some other factors too. The type of AC you have is a determiner of the cost as well. Large houses may have a central AC system that is more capable and powerful than a traditional ductless mini-split AC, which is more of a hassle than a simple portable AC. In general, the more complex an HVAC system, you can assume it will cost more to get repaired. The age of your current HVAC system plays into the equation too. If it is too old, then you might be better off getting a newer one instead of repairing it.
Before fully committing to a repair or a repair service company, the smart thing to do would be to get a repair quote or estimate beforehand. You can get a free quote from some companies, which allows you to compare and contrast. Bigger repair service providers may charge a premium, but you will have the peace of mind that your AC is in good hands. They also offer service guarantees, which add an extra layer of peace of mind.
Concluding Thoughts
The best HVAC advice for homeowners is that you should try your best to avoid a situation where you need to get your AC repaired, and the key to that is regular maintenance of your system. In Dallas, AC repair services are less costly than in other cities of Texas, but even then, getting an annual check-up of your system is vastly less time-consuming and cheaper than having to get an extensive repair or worse, a complete replacement. Some maintenance you can perform yourself, like keeping the air filters and the outdoor unit clean, while others require a professional hand.
An inefficient system translates to higher energy bills for you, and early repairs of minor problems will ensure your AC continues to run efficiently and increase its longevity. Investing in the well-being of your AC is an investment towards the comfort of your home, and you should never put it off for long.
You might be tempted to go for the cheapest HVAC company that will repair your AC, but if you end up hiring an unlicensed or inexperienced HVAC contractor, you will save some money now but may end up paying for it in the long run. Following the advice in this guide will save you from many of the pitfalls that inexperienced homeowners fall into when it comes to AC repair services.