Houston's virtually unrelenting heat and humidity makes air conditioning systems non-negotiable in this part of Texas. Although you may use your heating system in December and January, you're unlikely to see temperatures drop below freezing at any point during the year.
If your air conditioner stops working, your first call should be to a qualified air conditioning and heating contractor. HVAC work gets complicated quickly, so it's not a job that you should try to DIY.
Houston Air Conditioning Repair
HVAC system efficiency
If your current HVAC system is older, you're likely paying more than necessary for air conditioning. Old air conditioning and heating systems do not adhere to the US Department of Energy's updated efficiency requirements, so they use more power than a new system would to provide the same amount of cooling.
Because an inefficient HVAC system can quickly cause your monthly utility costs to skyrocket, be sure to ask your HVAC contractor about the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating of any new system you consider.
The higher a system's SEER rating is, the more efficient it is. In 2016, the DOE instituted HVAC system efficiency standards based on region:
- In the southern part of the country, new HVAC systems must have a minimum SEER rating of 14.
- In northern states, the minimum SEER rating is 13.
A Houston HVAC contractor can help you decide whether or not you need a new system, and if so, what type of system would be best for you.
Houston heating and A/C repair
Problems with air conditioning and heating systems don't get better with time, unfortunately, so if you ignore that weird noise for too long, you'll eventually have a major, costly A/C repair on your hands. Call a Houston HVAC technician immediately if you notice any of the following:
- Metallic or burning odors or the smell of natural gas when your air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump is running.
- Loud, unusual noises: sudden pops, banging, metal scraping against metal, or dull thumps.
- Your HVAC system trips its circuit breaker or fuse frequently.
To prevent these types of problems (and catch smaller issues before they worsen), get on a regular maintenance schedule with your HVAC contractor—most experts recommend two preventative maintenance visits per year.
In most of the country, the HVAC industry is cyclical, with demand being highest at the beginning of the summer and the winter. Even though Houston temperatures usually don't reach extreme lows during the winter, it's still a good idea to have your air conditioning system serviced in the off season, before summer highs remind everyone else to do the same. And even though your heating system may not get a lot of use, have a pro give it a once-over in the fall.
Your air conditioning and heating technician will be able to troubleshoot any problems with your current HVAC system as well as give you advice on changes and updates you can make to improve the system's efficiency. Whether your system needs a straightforward repair or a complete replacement, your Houston HVAC company will be able to get you back up and running quickly and help reduce your monthly cooling costs.
The Best Picks for Houston Heating and Air Conditioning Companies
At Best Pick Reports, we survey Houston homeowners to find the highest-quality air conditioning and heating professionals in the area.
The surveys we conduct help us identify the best of the best when it comes to Houston-area HVAC companies, and we are proud to present that information in an easy-to-read format. We insist on quality by conducting our objective research every year. This adherence to strict standards is the basis of our guarantee that the companies we present to you are the cream of the crop in your area.
Call a Best Pick Houston air conditioning and heating company today to make sure that you and your family stay comfortable all year round. You'll have a great experience—we guarantee it!