Beat the heat of the sizzling sun in Dallas by implementing innovative techniques and equipment to keep cool. From simple tips to new appliances, we have several ideas to keep your home comfortable while keeping your utility bills within your budget. If you need professional help, call our HVAC technicians at Home Comfort Inc., and we’ll help you navigate energy efficiency and comfort.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
When you keep your air conditioner maintained, you’ll enjoy much greater energy efficiency. Our technicians provide skilled tune-ups and maintenance to help keep your cooling system running.
- Inspect mechanical components
- Clean the outside of the condenser unit
- Clean condenser and evaporator coils
- Lubricate moving parts
- Clear condensate drain
- Test safety controls and mechanisms
- Check refrigerant level
- Calibrate thermostat
Maintenance helps keep your air conditioner efficient by preventing damage and identifying problems that could cause your machine to overwork. We provide in-depth maintenance for your cooling system to provide you with this efficiency and extend the lifespan of your air conditioner. Maintenance also helps you save money and reduce the risk of failures in the middle of summer.
Duct Cleaning and Repair
Air ducts must be clear and sealed to transport cold air from your air conditioner to the vents. Professional duct cleaning helps remove dust and debris from the ductwork that slows or stops cold air from traveling where it should. Duct cleaning involves a high-suction vacuum system that pulls all the contaminants out of the ducts. Your technician might also use compressed air to remove dust.
Leaks in the air ducts allow cold air to escape from the ducts before it reaches the vents. Leaks can be due to holes and corrosion, gaps, and improperly sealed connections. Have your ductwork inspected for leaks if you have insufficient cold air blowing from the vents. Your technician can seal most problem areas. However, ducts that are extremely damaged may need to be replaced.
You may also want to consider insulation for your air ducts. If you have exposed ducts or ducts that run through warmer areas of the house, insulation can help keep the cold air cold until it reaches the vent. Insulation wraps around the air ducts, leaving the inside of the ducts with enough room for air to pass through without issues.
Ductless Mini-Split Systems
Ductless mini-splits are an excellent way to boost the efficiency of your cooling system by providing directional cold air to hard-to-cool spaces in your home. A ductless mini-split is a popular choice for bedrooms, upper floors, and garages. For example, if you prefer a cooler bedroom while you sleep, install a mini-split for colder temperatures without causing everyone else in the house to freeze. Another example of good placement for a mini-split is an attic. Being at the top of the house, it is usually much warmer than the lower levels. If you spend a lot of time in the attic and use it for living space, a mini-split is a great idea for added cooling where your central air conditioner simply may not efficiently reach. With a mini-split, you do not need air ducts. The cold air comes out of the unit in the room where it is located. Mini-split installation is relatively easy in comparison to the installation of a new air conditioner. You can use a mini-split without changing the temperature on the thermostat for your central air conditioner. This control gives you the option to provide additional cooling without compromising the comfort of the rest of the house.
Zoned HVAC Systems
Zoned HVAC systems use separate thermostats in different areas or zones in your home. The thermostats control separate sections of ductwork to provide more or less cooling to different rooms. Zoned cooling is great for boosting the cooling in upper levels and rooms that do not cool as well through traditional air conditioning. You can install several zones in the house, giving you the flexibility to control the whole home differently based on how you use the different spaces.
New Air Conditioning Unit
If you have an older air conditioner, you may need to replace it to regain energy efficiency. As your air conditioner ages, it may struggle to remain efficient while cooling your home. New air conditioners provide far greater efficiency than those of a decade ago and a new unit just works better.
Discuss with your technician your needs and wants when it comes to a new unit. Your technician can help you find an air conditioner that fits your home. Make sure you have the right size of a unit. An air conditioner that is too large may short cycle, causing inconsistent cooling and overwork on the machine. Too small of an air conditioner may run non-stop and cause your energy bills to skyrocket without ever reaching comfort throughout your home.
Heat pumps are a good option to replace your traditional heating and cooling system. Heat pumps utilize natural air to provide air conditioning, making them a more efficient and eco-friendly option for your home in Dallas.
Things You Can Do Without a Professional
Before you call a professional, there are some tips you can try to boost the efficiency of your system and the comfort level of your home.
Close all the windows and doors. Limit trips in and out to avoid letting hot air in and losing cold air from the air conditioner.
Pull the curtains or blinds closed. Sunlight provides natural heating to your home and can add a couple of degrees to the temperature indoors.
Switch the ceiling fans to move in a counterclockwise direction. This movement provides a cool breeze.
Avoid using the oven and clothes dryer on days when the temperature reaches extremes outside. Cook outdoors or feast on cold foods. Dry your laundry on the clothesline and enjoy the added bonus of fresh scent.
Clean the vents and make sure they aren’t obstructed. You should have an open area around each vent so that cold air can blow into the room and not be stopped by furniture or other items in the way. Wipe the vents and vacuum the openings to remove dust and debris that can restrict airflow.
If you’ve tried all you can to boost the efficiency of your air conditioner and are still struggling with comfort this summer, let our technicians help. We provide skilled heating and cooling repairs, installations, and maintenance. We work on boilers, heat pumps, and ductless mini-split systems to give you versatility. If you need help improving the indoor air quality of your home, we have solutions for you. We have highly skilled technicians with extensive hands-on experience to give you the comfort and efficiency you need from your cooling system.
Stay cool inside your Dallas home this summer without sacrificing your money on high utility bills when you call for expert help from the technicians at Home Comfort Inc..
