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.

One of the most common problems that you might encounter with your window air conditioning system is the unusual noise. It can be an annoying rattling sound or a loud hum. These noises should not be ignored because even if they are bearable, they can lead to a more serious, costly, and irreversible problem. Usually, the type of noise is used to determine the nature of the problem, and sometimes, it can be easily fixed, especially if the problem is caused by movements of a few loose parts. But at all times of uncertainty and troubleshooting your air conditioner, the help of a professional is needed.

Once you start to hear noises from your window air conditioner, it is best to call an air conditioner repair specialist at Comfort Experts. You may feel as though a quick fix is all that’s necessary, but it’s best to have a professional doing the repair work as their training and experience will make their repair go more quickly and smoothly, and it will likely provide better results. Here are some of the things our AC repair technicians will do when you call us about a noise AC unit.

Make Sure it is Installed Properly

A noise coming from a unit that is not installed properly is the most common cause of rattling sounds. The vibration of your air conditioner can cause your unit to shake against the frame if it is not tightly installed. Our experts will test the sturdiness of the unit’s installation. If it isn’t installed as soundly as it should be, we will take care of the issue immediately.

Loose Screws

When your AC runs and starts to vibrate, it can cause screws inside and outside the unit to loosen over time. This can cause rattling sounds. We will open up your unit and inspect the entire thing for loose screws, and we will tighten them accordingly if found.

Coil Fins

When coil fins become clogged with dirt, they can be a cause of irritating noise. We will professionally clean your coil fins to ensure the proper working order and minimal sound coming from them. Another reason for your coil fins to emit noise is if they are bent. They can cause a loud hum and can be fixed by straightening out the fins using a fin comb – a tool designed specifically to do that.

Check the Fan Blades and Motor

A grinding sound can be caused by some parts being stuck to the fan, such as the insulation. To check if this is the case, we will turn the unit off and inspect the fan for any material that can prevent the blades from spinning properly. If an object is found, we will remove and discard it. We will also check to see if your fan blades are even. If they aren’t, replacing fan blades may be necessary. Lubricating the fan motor can also be helpful to avoid a loud hum. However, this can be done only if your motor housing is not permanently sealed.

Top Questions to Ask an HVAC Company

If you have been looking for a reputable HVAC repair service company near Fort Worth, it’s important to consider many options and make an informed choice. You need to find a service that offers the best services at affordable prices. If you have been experiencing any kind of problems with your heating and cooling system, a qualified HVAC technician will make sure all your needs and requirements are met in a timely manner.

However, in order to choose a good HVAC repair company, you should ask the technicians some simple questions before they handle your HVAC system.

What Kind of Experience Do You Have?

With a lot of experience and expertise, well-trained and skilled professionals are able to specialize and master the art of repairing HVAC equipment. You need to ask the technicians about their experience and specialization. They should focus on every component of the HVAC system, including vents, ducts, electrical wiring, clogs, and more.

Are the Technicians Licensed?

It’s important to choose a company that employs only licensed and qualified technicians to provide customers with the best HVAC maintenance and repair services at affordable prices. Such technicians will always give importance to your needs, requirements, and budget. Once everything has been evaluated, they will recommend a course of action or solution and be able to implement it properly.

Does The Company Offer Emergency Services?

It’s very necessary to choose a company that provides high-quality emergency HVAC installation, repair, and replacement services. You should be able to give the company a call anytime you need to, especially when your system goes out in extreme hot or cold. The problem should also be solved in a timely manner. It’s important that you hire professionals who have always believed in building strong and healthy relationships with customers. Most importantly, you should hire a company that has built a strong reputation in the industry.

What Kind of Services are Offered?

It’s important to focus on the services offered by the HVAC company. A good company provides various kinds of HVAC services to residential and commercial property owners. The company should not only provide repair services, but they should also handle preventive maintenance and give you some effective tips to keep your HVAC system in good condition. Thus, it’s important to ask the technicians about what kind of services they offer. Some of the common services include checking shut off valves, checking hot water radiators, cleaning heating registers, vents, and ducts, and providing preventive maintenance tips.

Do You Run Background Checks on Technicians?

This is likely not a question you would think to ask, but it is a very important one. HVAC technicians will be working in and around your home and close to you and your family, and you want to know that they are trustworthy. An HVAC repair company should run background checks and do drug tests on their technicians, so be sure to ask about it.

As you search for a heating or HVAC repair company near you, be sure to check the company’s references and online reviews. Previous customers will be very honest, whether they are making positive or negative comments about their experiences. Be sure to investigate each HVAC company that you are considering hiring to ensure that you receive the best quality services on your HVAC system.

If your air conditioning keeps flipping the breaker, you may have a serious problem on your hands. The first thing you absolutely need to know is if your air conditioning has flipped the breaker several times, there IS a reason for it and you should NOT turn the breaker back on. Circuit breakers shut off to protect your house from damage or a possible electrical fire. Generally, an overloaded circuit is a primary cause, but you need to figure out why the circuit was overloaded in the first place. If you suspect your air conditioning, or if you’re certain that your AC is the culprit, here’s how to proceed.

Overheating

A likely cause of the air conditioning flipping the breaker is overheating of your AC unit. Overheating can happen for a variety of reasons, including fan malfunction, low refrigerant, dirty condenser coils, or a dirty filter. The only issues you can safely deal with as homeowners are the condenser coils and the filter. First, pull out the air filter and clean it off or replace it entirely. Next, check out the condenser coils, located on your air conditioner’s outside unit. If the flow of air around them is impeded, or if they’re covered in dirt, leaves, or other debris, clean them off to the best of your ability. If neither of those solutions fixes the overheating and breaker-flipping problem, you need to go ahead and call an AC repair company. Comfort Experts, Inc. has been serving the North Texas area for over 50 years, and we are troubleshooting experts who can diagnose and correct AC problems with ease.

Loose Electrical Connections

If your air conditioner is not overheating, there are a few other possibilities as to why your AC keeps tripping the breaker. Loose electrical connections are a possibility, especially in North Texas. As the weather changes, sometimes drastically, and storms ravish the area, wires can contract and expand, leaving loose connections and faulty breakers. While this seems like a simple fix, these wires transfer very high voltage and they should be handled and approached with extreme caution.

Electrical Short

If there is an electrical short in your AC wiring, you absolutely need to contact a professional to deal with the issue. An electrical short sends electricity down a path of wires where a connection is not intended. Shorts can result in sparks, smoke, and fires and are extremely dangerous. If the breaker flips immediately after the air conditioning starts to kick on, and if you hear a distinctive popping sound when flipping the breaker back on, you likely have an electrical short. You should absolutely not turn the breaker back on, and you should contact a professional immediately.

Compressor Problems

If your outdoor compressor is old and has trouble starting up sometimes, it can be the cause of the tripped breaker as well. A simple maintenance call to Comfort Experts or a capacitor replacement will likely do the trick to avoid this problem in the future.