6 Ways to Elongate the Life of Your AC
Need reliable HVAC services in Houston? Choose Autumn Mechanical, a trusted company with 30+ years of experience. We specialize in commercial and residential services to optimize your cooling systems. Whether it’s AC repairs or new installations, we’ve got you covered. We understand the importance of a functional AC unit in Houston’s hot and humid climate. It’s not a luxury, but a necessity for your comfort, safety, and property. Our Houston HVAC technicians are background checked and insured, providing peace of mind during home or business service calls. At Autumn Mechanical, we prioritize top-notch customer service and dependable heating and cooling solutions. Count on us to improve your indoor air quality. Trust us as your go-to choice in Houston. Here are 6 ways to elongate the life of your AC with preventive maintenance: Regularly Change Your Air Filter: To keep your AC system running smoothly, it’s important to replace the filter every 30-90 days. This simple step reduces the strain on your AC, improves its efficiency, saves money on utility bills, and extends its lifespan. If you’re unsure about how often to change the filter, ask one of our HVAC technicians for guidance. Keep Your Coils Clean: The outside coils and fins of your AC unit should be clear of any debris or obstructions. Use a regular garden hose and a broom to remove leaves and other debris that accumulate around the unit. Avoid using a pressure washer, as it can cause damage. Check Your Dryer Vent: Make sure that your dryer vent is not directed towards your AC unit. Lint from the dryer exhaust can cause problems for your air conditioning unit. Redirect the vent to prevent lint from entering the AC vents. Adjust Your Thermostat: When you’re away from home for extended periods, raise the temperature on your thermostat. […]
Affordable AC Replacement in North Houston
As summer rapidly approaches, it’s essential to ensure your air conditioning system can handle the rising temperatures. If your current AC unit is struggling to keep up and is under 8 years old, it might benefit from a tune-up or maintenance repair. However, if it’s time for a replacement, Autumn Mechanical is here to help. We offer the most affordable air conditioning replacement in north Houston, with a team of highly trained HVAC contractors ready to assist you in selecting the best AC unit for your space’s needs. We prioritize energy efficiency and reliability when helping you choose an air conditioning unit, as we want to protect your investment and ensure its longevity. We understand that purchasing a new AC unit can be a significant expense, which is why we provide various financing options to accommodate both families and business owners. If your current unit is no longer efficient or fails to cool your space effectively, reach out to HVAC company Autumn Mechanical today. We will explore your options and work closely with you to find the ideal air conditioning unit for your residential or commercial needs. Several factors contribute to the lifespan of an air conditioning unit and can help you decide on the type of replacement AC you want. Opting for a reputable brand like Trane can often result in a longer lifespan compared to lesser-known brands. However, even with a top-of-the-line Trane unit, neglecting routine maintenance can lead to premature problems. At Autumn Mechanical, we offer routine tune-ups and maintenance for air conditioners and heating systems. If it has been more than six months to a year since your HVAC system was inspected or cleaned, don’t hesitate to contact us. Regular servicing plays a crucial role in ensuring your AC unit operates efficiently for an extended period. […]
How Can I Increase the Lifespan of my AC?
Changing the air filter of your AC system is a simple and effective way to ensure it works efficiently. It’s recommended to change the air filter at least once a season, or even more frequently if you use the AC a lot. A dirty filter slows down airflow and makes the AC’s motor work harder to cool the air. To help your air conditioner cool you down effectively, give it some shade. Protect the outdoor part of the AC system, called the condenser, from direct sunlight. Providing shade can help it disperse heat more efficiently, which it collects from the air inside your home. Instead of waiting until it gets too hot indoors, program your AC unit ahead of time or switch it on manually when temperatures are rising. This will save energy and reduce the workload on the unit. Keep the AC unit clean and free from debris. If the condenser is blocked by plants, leaves, or furniture, it can’t release heat effectively. Clear away debris regularly and trim plants that come too close to the unit. Consider installing a smart thermostat. If you’re away from home for most of the day, a smart thermostat can help you save on utility bills. You can program it to keep the house a bit warmer during the afternoon and then cool it down before you return. Make sure windows and doors are closed when the AC is running. Leaving them open while the AC is on will let warm air in and cool air out, making the AC work harder and increasing your energy costs. Avoid placing heat-producing appliances near the thermostat, as they can fool the device into running the AC longer than necessary. Also, keep the thermostat away from direct sunlight by covering it or repositioning it. Seal any […]
Trane Provides Helpful Tips for Your Air Conditioner
Autumn Mechanical is a proud partner with Trane. Trane Provides Helpful Tips for Your Air Conditioner to keep your HVAC system in great working condition for years to come. If your HVAC system is not performing to your satisfaction, contact our team right away. As your Trane comfort specialist we will be able to provide you with the best repairs and service options for your system. Tip 1: Clean Your Air Filter and Clear Debris One of the simplest and most effective things homeowners can do to maintain their HVAC systems is to regularly clean the air filters and clear away debris from outdoor units. Dirty air filters can restrict airflow, causing your system to work harder and consume more energy, while also reducing indoor air quality. Similarly, debris buildup around outdoor units can restrict airflow, reducing efficiency and potentially causing damage to the unit. Clean air filter: To clean your air filters, start by turning off your HVAC system to prevent debris from being sucked into the unit. Locate the air filter inside the indoor unit and remove it from its housing. Depending on the type of filter you have, you can either vacuum it or replace it with a new one. If you’re unsure which type of filter you have, consult your system’s manual or contact a professional. Clear debris from outdoor systems: To maintain your outdoor unit, it’s important to keep vegetation at a safe distance. Aim to keep plants, shrubs, and other objects at least 18 inches away from the unit to prevent debris buildup and ensure proper airflow. You can also trim any nearby branches or vines that may be encroaching on the unit. Tip 2: Look for Leaks Leaky ductwork, evaporator coils, or cabinets can significantly reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system, leading […]
How Can Zoned AC Systems Help Me Save Money?
In Houston, we rely on our air conditioners to help protect us and our property from the blistering heat we face throughout the long warm seasons. Unfortunately, the energy cost of running your air conditioning system this frequently can add up quickly. Installing a zoned HVAC unit can help you to control the temperature in specific rooms or zones to help lower your energy costs. What is HVAC zoning? An HVAC zoning system divides your home into multiple zones, each controlled by its own thermostat. This allows you to set each room to the ideal temperature for you, instead of having to heat or cool the entire home to just one temperature. A zoned HVAC system can give you more control over your comfort, provide energy savings and, perhaps most importantly, eliminate daily arguments over the thermostat! How does an HVAC zoning system work? The first step in setting up a residential HVAC zoning system is to actually divide your home into zones. Once your home is divided into two or more zones (more on what zones are and how to create them later), a thermostat will be installed within each. While each thermostat controls its own zone, they’re all connected to one central control panel in your home. From there, HVAC zoning dampers, which are valves or plates that regulate airflow inside a duct, will be installed in the ducts of your home. If you’re using a multi-zone ductless cooling system instead of central air conditioning, dampers will be installed at the air outlet directly on each system. Dampers open and close. When a certain zone needs air flow, the dampers will open and allow cool or hot air to pass through. When the zone has reached the desired temperature, the dampers will close and stop air flow. Multiple […]
Why Do Air Conditioner Condensers Freeze?
We rely on our AC systems to help us control the climate in our homes. When there is a problem with your air conditioner you can be left exposed to uncomfortable high heats and humidity. Our HVAC professionals work with home and business owners to prevent and correct problems such as your AC freezing. Top 5 Reasons Air Conditioners Freeze Have you experienced an issue with your air conditioning unit freezing? Working with one of the experienced HVAC technicians at Autumn Air can help you to quickly diagnose and correct any problem you are having with your frozen AC unit. Listed below are some of the main reasons your AC may be freezing: Low Refrigerant Levels If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, it can cause the evaporator coil to freeze up. When this happens your air conditioner’s condenser may freeze as well. This happens because low refrigerant levels can cause the pressure in the system to drop, which can lower the temperature of the evaporator coil. If you have noticed a change in your air conditioner’s performance, reach out to the team at Autumn Air in Spring, TX. Dirty Air Filter Dirty air filters will restrict the airflow passing through your HVAC system. This can cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and eventually freeze up. When this happens, the condenser can also freeze because it’s not receiving the warm air it needs to keep the refrigerant at the right temperature. Make sure you are changing your air filters once every 30-90 days, depending on the filter you have. Blocked Airflow If there is something blocking the airflow over the evaporator coil, such as furniture or other objects, it can cause the coil to freeze up, which can also lead to your air conditioner’s condenser to freeze. […]
Why Does My AC Make Loud Noises?
In Texas, we rely on our air conditioners throughout the majority of the year. When there is a breakdown in the functionality of your AC, you will want to address it as soon as possible to avoid more expensive repair costs and breakdowns. One of the warning signs that you have an issue with your air conditioning unit is unusual or new sounds coming from your air conditioner. These sounds may be banging noises, squealing noises, rattling noises, or some other uncommon sound. You will want to call a professional HVAC technician as soon as possible in order to have your system inspected before you have a breakdown leaving you without cool capabilities. Without adequate cooling capabilities, you not only create an uncomfortable environment, but you also run the risk of damaging your property. Moisture and high temperatures can lead to conditions that warp wood and other housing materials, as well as increase the chances of mold and mildew development. When you have a malfunctioning air conditioning system in your home, working with a professional HVAC company can help you to restore functionality and comfort in your space. Call Autumn Mechanical in Houston today for your urgent AC services in Spring, Texas. Why Does My AC Make Loud Noises? 1. Squealing and Screeching If you hear a squealing or screeching noise (think nails on a chalkboard or a fork scratching on a porcelain plate) coming from your air conditioner, it’s caused by moving parts in your AC unit wearing out and breaking. For example, the belt may need replacement. Or, the motor bearings may be damaged, which will cause the motor to be off-center—thus the screeching. Repairing and replacing belts and motor bearings before they stop working altogether will prevent your HVAC from shutting down. Maintenance is the most important […]
5 Common Problems with Air Conditioners
Houston is in a subtropical climate with long warm and wet seasons This means we use our air conditioners throughout most of the year. When there is a breakdown in the functionality of your AC, you will want to address it as soon as possible to avoid more expensive repair costs and breakdowns. Without adequate cooling capabilities, you not only create an uncomfortable environment, but you also run the risk of damaging your property. Moisture and high temperatures can lead to conditions that warp wood and other housing materials, as well as increase the chances of mold and mildew development. When you have a malfunctioning air conditioning system in your home, working with a professional HVAC company can help you to restore functionality and comfort in your space. Call Autumn Mechanical in Houston today for your air conditioner needs. 5 Common Problems with Air Conditioners Refrigerant Leaks If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, either it was undercharged at installation or it leaks. If it leaks, simply adding refrigerant is not a solution. A trained technician should fix any leak, test the repair, and then charge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant. Remember that the performance and efficiency of your air conditioner is greatest when the refrigerant charge exactly matches the manufacturer’s specification, and is neither undercharged nor overcharged. Refrigerant leaks can also be harmful to the environment. Inadequate Maintenance If you allow filters and air conditioning coils to become dirty, the air conditioner will not work properly, and the compressor or fans are likely to fail prematurely. Electric Control Failure The compressor and fan controls can wear out, especially when the air conditioner turns on and off frequently, as is common when a system is oversized. Because corrosion of wire and terminals is also a problem […]
Does a New HVAC System Increase My Home’s Value?
When selling your home is on the horizon, you may wonder what investments into your space make the most sense for your comfort and finances. In Texas, home buyers will value a strong AC unit in a home because they will want protection from the long warm seasons. HVAC units have the ability to last for up to 15 years or more when properly cared for. This means, if you are considering selling anytime in the next 5 years, a new air conditioner is a great investment in your comfort and the value of your home. Read more below about why potential buyers will be attracted to a new AC in your space. How Much Does a New HVAC System Cost? A new HVAC system can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on where you live and the brands you choose. Cost will also be affected by the type of HVAC system you choose, from duct-free to hybrid. The average price for a new system is $7,000 for materials and $1,500 for labor. There may be additional costs for extra items, including adding zones, installing a new thermostat, and including humidity controls. Will a New HVAC System Increase Your Home’s Value? Installing a new HVAC system provides a significant return on investment, with the average ROI being right around 60%. This is higher than many other home improvements, and if you choose an energy-efficient HVAC system, it can increase your home’s value anywhere from 5% to 7%. When is Adding Central Air a Good Idea? You Live in a Humid Climate – For many homeowners in the humid and hot Southeastern United States, air conditioning has become a necessity for everyday life. In short: Central air systems lower the temperature and relative humidity of your home. And where humidity […]
Troubleshooting a Frozen Air Conditioning Unit
Are you experiencing issues with your air conditioning unit when you need it most? Have you observed your unit being frozen, leaky, or icy? Our team can help you. We work with home and business owners to troubleshoot their frozen air conditioning unit so they can restore their ability to cool their space efficiently. Read below to learn more about why your air conditioner is doing this and then give us a call for AC repair in your area. How to Tell if Your Air Conditioner Is Frozen Feel the air coming out of the supply registers. If it feels warm, the evaporator coils may be iced over. Turn off the air conditioner and open the access panel to the evaporator. The panel is located in different spots for different manufacturers, but are typically near the furnace system inside the home. Small hex-head screws hold the panel in place . In severe cases, the ice may be visible outside the unit. Examine the copper coils. If they are encased in ice, the air conditioner is frozen. Do not attempt to clear the ice by hand. That could damage the air conditioner’s components. Check the filters located either in the air conditioner’s plenum, or at the cold air return grate for the home. If the filters are dirty, replace them. Look at the coils as well as the cooling fins around the evaporator. If they are coated with dirt, clean them using a soft plastic brush, such as a toothbrush, and a light touch. The fins may bend with too much pressure. Make sure all the air conditioning supply registers are open in each room the unit supplies with cold air. Blocked registers restrict air flow, which causes the temperature inside the evaporator to increase. Time the air conditioner cycle once […]
