How To Address Uneven Heating & Cooling Issues

Two-story houses usually have the problem of different temperatures between levels.  The upper level can easily be at least ten degrees hotter in summer, but when you turn down the AC, the lower level gets ice cold.  This can become a frustrating problem for many homeowners.

But what can be done to even out the temperature between the two levels?

Check for Proper Air Flow

The first thing you can do is make sure airflow is coming through vents in order to heat and cool the home.  Blocked or closed vents may not be allowing airflow through, causing a temperature discrepancy upstairs that you don’t notice downstairs.  Move everything out of the way of the vents such as furniture, rugs, or drapes.  Both return and supply vents need to be free for air to come and go.  Blocking vents downstairs to avoid cooler temperatures on the lower level may seem like a good idea, but actually, all vents should remain unblocked on every level.  Switching the fan to the “on” position, even when the AC is on, will further help circulate air throughout the house.  It may raise your electric bill slightly, but not by much.  And it is definitely worth a little extra each month to be sure air flows evenly to all levels of the house.

Check for Leaky Ducts

If your ducts are leaking out cold air, especially in the air ducts that travel to the upstairs level, then not enough cold air is able to reach the second floor to cool it properly.  Many times, ducts lost about 20-30 percent of their airflow to gaps or cracks in ductwork.  Comfort Experts professional ac technicians can check for and repair any leaking ducts so that the maximum amount of cold air flow reaches every space.

Insulate the Attic

Insulation is designed to keep air in.  Therefore, proper insulation will keep warm air in during the winter to help heat the house, and it will keep cold air from escaping in the summer so that the house stays cooler all day long.  If you can see the floor joists in your attic, you are lacking proper insulation.  Consider installing adequate insulation maintain a comfortable temperature in your home year-round.

Install a Zoned System

One of the best things you can do to regulate the temperature both upstairs and downstairs in your house is to install a zoned system.  This system divided the home into two zones with two separate thermostats for each level.  Therefore, you can set the thermostat cooler at night when you go upstairs to sleep and warmer during the day when no one upstairs.  Alternatively, the downstairs can be set to cooler during the day when everyone hangs out on the lower level and higher at night when the family moves upstairs to sleep.  It’s the perfect solution for a two-story home.  To find out more about installing a zoned system in your house, call Comfort Experts, your ac repair, and installation specialists.

What Is a Zoning System?

A zoning system is an HVAC control that uses several sensors and thermostats to control the temperature in different locations throughout the home.  It is a dual-zone air conditioning system that operates when motorized dampers in the ductwork direct air to different parts of the home so that you can be comfortable no matter where you are in the house.

During the summer, larger homes will often be different temperatures in different parts of the home.  The upstairs tends to be much hotter than the lower story or the master may be warmer than the guest room.  If you have a room that you don’t use very often, it would also be nice to set it at a different temperature than the rest of the house and save money on energy costs.  If this describes your home, then it may be time to consider installing a zoning system.

Do You Need a Zoning System?

Zoning systems are often associated with larger, nice homes in wealthier areas, but they are for everyone.  A zoning system is great for families with many members who need different temperatures in their respective rooms to feel comfortable.  Also, those with several stories or more square footage to their home could greatly benefit from a zoning system.

An older unit will have a hard time keeping up with different levels or larger homes, but a zone air conditioning system allows you to adjust the temperature for each level or specific area of your home so that each ac unit can easily keep up with the airflow demands.   If you have a home office that you like cooler than the rest of the home, then a zoning system is a great solution.  Maybe you have bedrooms upstairs that you only use at night, but are always hotter than the rest of the house, then consider a zoning system.

You could adjust the temperature to be cooler at night and warmer during the day when the rooms aren’t in use, saving you energy and money. Technology is an added benefit for zoning systems as you can now control the temperature from your phone or computer if you aren’t home and want to save money on your energy bills by keeping the temperature higher while you are away.

Installation and Cost

Installing a zoning system is a relatively easy process as it can be installed new or to retrofit your existing system.  Dampeners will be installed in your ducts so that the zones can run off of one air conditioner and rely on the dampeners to redirect the airflow based on how you set your controls.  A zoning system has been shown to save homeowners roughly thirty percent on their energy bills, so it is definitely worth the cost.  Your new zoning system will likely pay for itself after only a few years.  For more information about cost and installation, contact an HVAC professional from Comfort Experts.

Comfort Experts is proud to announce the newest recipient of the Paul Riddle Scholarship, Derek Hobby. Derek is currently an HVAC apprentice at Service City Air & Electric in Rowlett, Texas, and he will soon be attending our Perfect Technician Academy to become a certified HVAC technician. Perfect Technician Academy provides the HVAC industry with properly trained and well-educated individuals that companies love to hire. Each student completes an externship in their area of specialty so that they are more than prepared to enter the workforce upon completion of the Academy.

The Paul Riddle Scholarship was created in honor of an influential leader in the HVAC industry. Paul had a servant’s heart and loved helping people improve themselves and change their lives, so it’s only fitting that the scholarship that bears his name allows people to learn how to become the perfect HVAC technician to both make a living and serve others in their community. We are excited to award the Paul Riddle Scholarship to Derek Hobby, and we are confident that he will make great strides in the HVAC industry both now and in the future

The compressor is one of the most important parts of an air conditioning system.  The compressor’s job is to keep the refrigerant running and pressurize the system.  It is the part of the unit that cycles on and off continuously to cool the house.  Because of this continuous on and off-cycle, it can accrue significant wear and tear.  Be aware of the signs that your AC compressor may be failing so you can stay on top of a potential repair or replacement.

Strange Noises Coming From the Unit

If you turn on your AC system and hear any type of loud, uncommon noise coming from the unit, it warrants a second look.  When a compressor first starts to go bad, the part will struggle to turn on.  This may result in strange noises.  Different issues with the compressor can produce different noises.  Loose bearings might make a grinding noise.  If a bearing is leaking, you might hear a squealing noise.  Any noise that isn’t normal might mean it’s time for a visit from the AC repair technician.

A Change in Air Flow or Temperature

When a compressor begins to go bad, the airflow output of the vents will begin to diminish.  If you notice the cold air coming out of your vents decreasing, call an AC repair company.  Another sign your compressor might not be working correctly is an increase in the temperature of the home.  Instead of blowing cold air, a bad compressor is no longer regulating the refrigerant flow, and so warm air comes out instead.  If you notice weakening airflow or warmer temperatures in the homes, your compressor may be failing.

Leaking Moisture

Leaks around an air conditioning unit are never a good thing.  Dirty or clogged coils can cause water leaks around the air conditioner.  However, a bad compressor can also leak refrigerant.  Refrigerant contains Freon and is not a substance that people should come into contact with.  It can cause health risks such as headaches, nausea, irritated eyes, cough, and more.  Because of the potential severity of coming into contact with refrigerant, if you see a leak and suspect it could be from the compressor, it is best to contact a qualified AC repair technician.  If the leaking isn’t dealt with, the compressor could run out of refrigerant, dry up, and stop working altogether.  Because a compressor is the main component in an air conditioning system, it can be costly to replace.  Any sign of possible wear and tear should be looked at as soon as possible.  When in doubt, call an AC repair professional to come to inspect your unit.  Knowing that you can have peace of mind that your family will be cool on a hot summer day is worth it.

There are still some hot summer months ahead of us, and if your AC unit isn’t performing as it should, or it’s not working altogether, then you’ll need to call in the experts to fix it. Whether you’re waiting a few hours for an AC repair, or a few days, you’ll want to find a few ways to beat the heat and keep everyone that lives in the house cool and happy. Here are a few things you can do to stay comfortable while you wait for that AC repair.

Don’t Wait to Call in the Experts for AC Repair

The first thing you’ll want to do when you notice that your AC unit isn’t working properly is to call in the pros to inspect it. Some people will put this call off in hopes that the unit simply needs a break and it will repair itself. In a perfect world, this might work, but it’s essential that you get your AC unit repaired promptly to ensure that you don’t damage it even more, and cost yourself money and time in the process. Of course, before you call someone in, make sure that your electricity or other elements that support your AC unit are working properly.

Enjoy a Little Airflow

If you find that it’s hotter and muggier in your home with the AC unit off and the doors and windows closed, you can open a few windows and let the natural breeze cool you off. Fans can be strategically placed to ensure that you circulate new air, and you can get a little relief when you stay indoors. This cross breeze will feel fantastic and you’ll love that your home will get aired out nicely.

Pay Attention to Temperatures

If you know that the temperatures are going to reach dangerous levels while you wait for an AC repair, then make a plan to for you, your family, and pets to go visit someone who has a working unit, or to go to a public place during the day that will offer you some sort of relief. While you won’t have to wait long for an AC repair, those hot moments that you do maybe more enjoyable if you spend them outside of your home doing an activity that can provide cooler temperatures.

Get Creative

Many people have gone through those moments when they wait for an AC repair, and they’ll cool off by putting sheets in the freezer to placing frozen water bottles at the foot of the bed. You’ll want to stay away from cooking a lot on your stove, and even lights can put off a little heat so turning those off when you can is a good idea. Taking cold showers and making visits to the local pool can help beat the heat as well. Think outside the box when you’re trying to stay cool, and don’t dismay, because you’ll have your AC repaired in no time and be back to the comfort of your home.

When we visit homes to carry out a general ac repair, we find many homes don’t make full use of their programmable thermostat. Making use of the program settings on your thermostat can help you keep your bills down. If you and your family are away from home for extended periods of time during the day, at work, or at school for example, then using the programmable feature on your thermostat can save you hundreds of dollars.

What Thermostat Programs Do

It depends on your system of course, but as a general rule, a thermostat can be programmed to turn on and off at set temperatures and at set times.

There are three different types of settings, check your thermostat to see what yours allows you to do:

• 7-day models allow you to program each day of the week differently depending upon your family’s schedule,
• 5+2 day models allow you to set one schedule through the week, and a different one on the weekend,
• 5+1+1 models allow you to program a schedule through the week, but different schedules on Saturday or Sunday.

Make Use of Energy Saving Set Points

Set the temperature on your thermostat at energy-saving set points when you aren’t expecting to be in the property. This is usually 5-8 degrees above the temperature your air conditioning comes on in the summer, and 5-8 degrees below the temperature your heating comes on in the winter.

Use the Hold Button

Put your thermostat constantly on an energy-saving temperature when your schedule changes – such as an evening out of the house, or a weekend away. Otherwise, you will be paying for cool air or heating in an empty house.

Changing Behavior

It’s the easiest thing in the world to override the settings that have been carefully pre-programmed. Resist the urge, and encourage family members to do the same. Make sure family members, especially children, know to keep windows and doors closed when the air conditioning is on or they won’t feel the benefit.

Saving Money

Set your program so it reflects how you and your family use your home. Be realistic about the times the house is in use, and set it at a temperature that will be cool but not freezing in summer, and warm but not stuffy in winter.

Remember, all your efforts will be wasted if people override the setting so it could be worthwhile setting the air conditioning to come on before your family starts to arrive home so the house is already cooled and they won’t have the urge to put it on a very low temperature. Lower temperatures are not cost-effective.

Other Suggestions

For your thermostat to work effectively it needs to be able to sense the correct ambient temperature of the room. If your thermostat is positioned in direct sunlight, or near heating appliances or air registers, it could sense an artificially high or low temperature and you could be wasting money.

Periodically check your thermostat is working properly by checking your batteries if it uses them, and that it turns on and off at the correct temperatures. If there is a problem you may need a general ac repair.

Use Your Thermostat Properly

A programmable thermostat is an underused money-saving device. Taking the time to understand how your thermostat works and setting a program that reflects your family’s schedule, can save you hundreds of dollars a year.

Nobody likes to think about a broken air conditioning unit. Your AC going out can make a big difference in the quality of your day when you’re trying to relax or fall asleep at night.  Especially in the summer heat, you want to avoid going too long without a working air conditioner. It’s not only uncomfortable, but it can also be dangerous in some climates. Read on to consider a few important questions to ask your air conditioning technician when scheduling a repair

1.) What’s the estimated cost?

Although most companies have an average or standard cost that they tell customers, make sure that the repair company knows exactly what’s wrong with your system before they give you a quote. It can be difficult to get a guaranteed assessment of the issue without having first seen it. If you can get it in writing what you will pay, you’ll be better off.

2.) Are all of the technician’s factory trained?

To minimize the number of repairs you’ll need to do in the future, make sure that all of the technicians that will be operating inside of your home can physically and intellectually handle the task at hand. Whether it’s one individual or an entire team trying to get the job done, make sure that each technician can handle the job. You don’t want the vital parts of the repair going into the hands of an untrained technician.

3.) Will the repair be done on time?

Having your AC repaired on time will not only increase the quality of your day or night, but it can pose medical risks for certain demographics that can’t reliably handle increased temperatures during the summer. For example, children and elderly individuals may not be able to comfortably handle the heat. If these apply to you, make sure to get your AC repaired as soon as possible. Ask your technician if the project can be completed within the deadlines you set.

If you want to work with the company but the project is going to take longer than is expected, make sure to have a secondary plan to utilize if you’re going to be without AC for a while.

4.) Are there any warranties for the work that will be done?

Even the best AC systems, regardless of if it’s a completely new system or just needing minimal repairs, will eventually suffer problems or will need further repair. Ask the repair technicians if they offer any kind of warranty to guarantee or ensure that you’ll be able to remain comfortable should the repair be unsuccessful or if an AC installation goes wrong.

If you have any questions about AC repair or about the benefits and installation of full HVAC systems, give us a call today at Comfort Experts! We work hard to make sure that you and your family are staying cool for the summer. If your air conditioning unit has stopped working, don’t spend your days and weeks in misery. Give us a call today and we’ll set up a time to fix your AC and get you back to comfortable living in no time!

You know how hot summertime can be in Texas… a striking sun, a hot and dry climate… Texas is definitely a harsh place to be in the summer. Can you afford to spend this hot season without your AC unit cooling you and your house? What if something is wrong with it and your AC unit doesn’t perform well, or – even worse – doesn’t perform at all?!

Can you imagine all the trouble you may go through just for a quick fix of your AC unit while spending days without air conditioning? Your AC unit may need a repair and you may not even know about it. Getting maintenance checks a few times a year can really increase the likelihood of catching minor problems early and ensuring that you have working air conditioning all year round.

Comfort Experts will make your AC repair and maintenance checks feel like a breeze so you can enjoy summer while keeping your house cool. You really can’t put a price on the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a properly working air conditioner. Here are our top four benefits you’ll enjoy after having an AC repair or maintenance check with Comfort Experts Inc.

You Will Save Money

This is a real, tangible benefit. Your AC repair and maintenance checks can save you big money. Picture this: your AC unit is not working properly, but instead of taking care of it, you simply ignore and hope that it is just a minor issue. Well, turns out that it’s not! Not only you are spending more money on electricity (because the AC unit can’t perform as it should), but you will eventually be spending more money on later repairs as well because it may affect other components. In the end, if you overlook even the smallest malfunction, you will most likely end up paying more. A small AC repair or quick maintenance check can save you a lot of time, a lot of hassle, and a lot of money!

You Will Enjoy Family Gatherings

Summer has always been a time to visit family or to invite your closest relatives to your house. Could you really imagine inviting your relatives to come over to your Texas home in the summer while your AC is not working? You deserve some quality time together, so don’t waste time putting off an AC repair. Call Comfort Experts for an AC repair and enjoy your time as a family in a cool house.

Indoor Air Quality

With an AC repair, you can rest assured that your house’s air quality will always be ideal. Cleaned air filters mean better air, and better air means less chance of getting any respiratory irritation or sickness.

You Can Watch Your Kids Playing in Comfort

It’s always fascinating to watch kids playing outside in the summer. They laugh and create games, they make new friends and new memories. However, not all of us want to spend an entire afternoon hanging out outside with no respite from the hot summer sun.  With your AC in top-notch condition, you can watch your kids through the window with the perfect excuse: “I need to be inside; it’s too hot for me!”

Many people have learned that they can extend the life of their AC units through frequent AC repairs. The problem, however, comes when the AC unit hits the point where continuing to repair it is going to become more expensive than an actual AC system replacement would be. There are a number ways to decide when exactly is the best time to have a new AC unit installed. Let’s take a few minutes and briefly go over these methods.

Here is a simple list of questions that you can go through to help decide if it is time for a replacement:

• How old is the AC unit? The EPA recommends that systems more than 10 years old will be likely to start losing their energy efficiency and that it may save you more money in time by replacement.
• How often does the system need repair? If your AC unit is breaking down often during the summer and needs monthly or bi-monthly repair than odds are good that you will spend more money on repairs than on a replacement.
• Is the unit keeping your house at an even temperature? Failing units have difficulty keeping the temperature at the level you like, and this is a good sign that you are losing a lot of money on an inefficient, old, and overworked system.
• Is the AC unit excessively loud? If you notice that the AC is running louder than normal, this generally means that the system is overexerting itself trying to keep up with your cooling needs.

After asking yourself these questions, you should have a good idea of the state of your AC system.

• Also, if a repair is going to cost you more than half the price of the system, you should certainly replace it.

Once you’ve decided that it is indeed time to replace your old AC unit, it will be a simple matter of calling up our HVAC technicians and scheduling a time for us to come out to your location and get the job done. An AC unit replacement can usually be done relatively quickly, so it should not take long once you have made the decision.

There are a few different options to choose between, and depending on what type of home you are in, you will want a specific type of AC unit to best regulate the air around your house. Our technicians can help you figure out all of this in one quick visit to inspect your home along with the current setup with the old AC unit.

To set up an appointment for an inspection with Comfort Experts, just give us a call at your convenience. We are always happy to help people figure out what the best option is for them, and we look forward to hearing from you. We can also answer any questions that you might have at that time as well.

Needing an AC repair can be an aggravating aspect of homeownership. First, you find yourself with a broken air conditioner (most likely in the hottest month of the year), and second, you are faced with finding a reliable AC repair company.  An air conditioner that is not working properly will drive up energy bills before shutting down completely and creating uncomfortable living conditions. Finding an AC repair company that is reliable and experienced without being overpriced can be just as miserable as living without the comfort of air conditioning. Here are some helpful tips to avoid the frustration that can come with choosing an AC repair company.

Will They Provide Detailed Estimates?

Simply discussing AC repair details and costs over the phone will often lead to incomplete and over-priced repair of your air conditioning unit.  It is far better to have a comprehensive evaluation of the services needed to get your air conditioner functioning properly and have those details written and explained. Having a complete outline of services and cost will not only protect you as the customer but will also ensure that your AC repair contractor is doing everything they are supposed to and not doing more than what is needed. Comfort Experts Inc., your North Texas AC repair specialists, will evaluate your system as a whole and let you know exactly what to expect. We will make recommendations and explain why something needs to be fixed before we touch it. As a result of our detailed evaluation, there are no hidden costs, so what you are quoted is exactly what you will pay.

Make Sure You Are Not Overcharged

AC repair costs can vary greatly, therefore the only way to truly ensure that you are not overpaying is to get multiple quotes on a job. Take the time to research the average price tag in your area for AC repairs. It is equally important to be aware of a price that is too high, as it is one that is too low.  Look for a company that will offer free estimates for your AC repair so that you are best able to compare your options. At Comfort Experts Inc., not only do we offer free estimates for a wide range of service areas in North Texas, but we will also pay up to $99 for a second AC repair company to come out and offer another opinion and estimate. We are proud to offer this service to show our customers that we have their best interests in mind.

100% Guarantee

Most AC repair companies will offer their customers a 100% guarantee on parts, but few extend it to the service rendered.  If the services agreed to and completed by Comfort Experts Inc., fail and your unit is not functioning properly, we will come back and fix it for free.  We stand behind our work and are confident that you will probably never have to use this guarantee, but we are happy to provide it for your own peace of mind.

Of course, these are not the only questions to keep in mind when it comes time to choose an AC repair company, but at Comfort Experts Inc., we believe these will help you as you begin your search. If you are in need of a reliable, available, and trustworthy AC repair contractor in North Texas, please contact us today to schedule an evaluation of your system.