Expert Air Conditioning Services in West End

For optimal performance, your HVAC system should be serviced twice a year: once in the spring for the cooling system and once in the fall for the heating system. Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, maintains energy efficiency, and extends the lifespan of your equipment. In West End's hot climate, pre-summer AC maintenance is especially important to ensure reliable cooling when temperatures rise.

Standard 1-3 inch air filters should be changed every 30-90 days, depending on several factors. If you have pets, allergies, or children, or if your home is particularly dusty, you should change them more frequently (every 30-45 days). High-efficiency filters (4-5 inches thick) may last longer, up to 6-12 months. In Lubbock's dusty environment, more frequent changes are often necessary, especially during windy seasons or dust storms.

The correct air conditioner size depends on several factors, including your home's square footage, ceiling height, insulation quality, window efficiency, sun exposure, and local climate. As a general rule of thumb, you need about 20 BTUs per square foot of living space in our West Texas climate, but this is just a starting point. Our technicians perform a detailed load calculation (Manual J calculation) to determine the precise size needed for your specific home, ensuring optimal efficiency and comfort without oversizing or undersizing your system.

With proper maintenance, a central air conditioning system typically lasts 15-20 years. In West End's climate, where systems work harder during hot summers, regular maintenance is crucial for maximizing lifespan. Factors affecting longevity include installation quality, usage patterns, maintenance frequency, and environmental conditions. Signs that your system may be nearing the end of its useful life include declining efficiency, frequent repairs, inconsistent cooling, and using older R-22 refrigerant (which is being phased out).

R-22 (Freon) is an older refrigerant that has been phased out due to its ozone-depleting properties. Since January 1, 2020, production and import of R-22 have been banned in the United States. R-410A (Puron) is the more environmentally friendly replacement that doesn't deplete the ozone layer. R-410A operates at higher pressures, which makes systems more efficient and improves heat transfer. If your system still uses R-22, repairs requiring refrigerant will become increasingly expensive as supplies dwindle. When it's time to replace your system, all new units will use R-410A or other approved refrigerants.

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures an air conditioner's cooling efficiency, similar to how MPG rates a car's fuel efficiency. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the system is. In the Southwest region, including Texas, new AC systems must have a minimum SEER rating of 15 as of 2023. While higher SEER systems cost more initially, they can significantly reduce your energy bills, especially in West End's hot climate where AC systems run extensively during summer. We can help you determine the optimal SEER rating for your home based on your usage patterns and budget considerations.

To improve indoor air quality in your West End home, consider these steps: 1) Regularly change air filters (every 1-3 months), 2) Install a whole-home air purification system with HEPA filtration, 3) Consider UV germicidal lights to eliminate bacteria and mold in your HVAC system, 4) Use a whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain optimal humidity levels (30-50%), 5) Schedule regular duct cleaning services to remove accumulated dust and allergens, 6) Ensure proper ventilation throughout your home, and 7) Maintain regular HVAC system maintenance to ensure all components are clean and functioning properly. Our technicians can assess your home's specific air quality needs and recommend appropriate solutions.

Watch for these warning signs that your AC needs repair: 1) Insufficient cooling or warm air coming from vents, 2) Unusual noises like grinding, scraping, or squealing, 3) Strange odors when the system runs, 4) Frequent cycling on and off, 5) Higher than normal energy bills without explanation, 6) Water leakage around the indoor unit, 7) Ice formation on the evaporator coil or refrigerant lines, 8) Reduced airflow from vents, 9) Thermostat issues or system not responding to temperature adjustments, and 10) System running constantly without reaching set temperature. If you notice any of these signs, contact us promptly for diagnosis and repair to prevent more serious damage.

DIY Maintenance: 1) Regularly changing air filters (every 1-3 months), 2) Keeping outdoor unit clear of debris, leaves, and vegetation (maintain 2 feet of clearance around the unit), 3) Cleaning visible dust from supply and return vents, 4) Monitoring your system's performance and energy usage, 5) Setting programmable thermostats appropriately for the season, and 6) Visual inspection for water leaks or unusual conditions.

Professional Maintenance: 1) Checking refrigerant levels and pressure, 2) Inspecting and cleaning evaporator and condenser coils, 3) Testing electrical components and connections, 4) Lubricating motors and moving parts, 5) Calibrating thermostat, 6) Cleaning or replacing components like blower assembly, 7) Checking ductwork for leaks or damage, and 8) Testing overall system performance and safety controls.

To reduce cooling costs in West End's hot climate: 1) Maintain your AC system with regular professional tune-ups, 2) Change air filters monthly during heavy usage periods, 3) Install a programmable or smart thermostat and set temperatures higher when away (78°F is recommended when home), 4) Use ceiling fans to supplement AC (allowing you to set the thermostat 4°F higher without losing comfort), 5) Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and ductwork, 6) Add or improve attic insulation (crucial in our climate), 7) Install window treatments to block solar heat gain, 8) Consider upgrading to a high-efficiency AC system if yours is over 10 years old, 9) Keep blinds and curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day, and 10) Use heat-generating appliances like ovens and dryers during cooler evening hours.