Dallas Air Conditioning / Dallas Appliance Repair

Central air conditioners are "split systems," which means that there is an outdoor unit (condenser) and an indoor unit (coil). The function of an air conditioner is to transport heat from one "station" to the other. The "vehicle" your system uses to carry the heat is called refrigerant.

In air conditioning operation, the compressor in your outdoor unit pushes the liquid refrigerant through copper tubing into the evaporator coil located in your fan coil unit or attached to your furnace. As the refrigerant is compressed, it turns into a gas. When it moves through the evaporator coil, the refrigerant takes on heat from the air circulating over the coil. The cooler air is then re-circulated into your home. Meanwhile, the heat absorbed by the refrigerant is carried outside through the copper tubing and given off to the outside air as a fan pulls the air over the condensing coil in your outdoor unit.

While it's keeping you cool, your air conditioner also works as an effective dehumidifier. As warm air passes over the indoor evaporator coil, it can no longer hold as much moisture as it carried at its higher temperatures. The extra moisture condenses on the outside of the coils and is carried away through a drain. The process is similar to what happens when moisture condenses on the outside of a glass of ice water on a hot, humid day.

Imagine you have four old, worn-out tires on your car and you decide you only want to replace two of them. You can still drive your car, but you'll soon be disappointed with the inconsistent handling and the poor mileage you get. The unmatched tires simply aren't capable of the same level of performance. You could have these same kinds of problems with comfort and efficiency if the components of your central air conditioning or heat pump system are not properly matched.

Your central air conditioning is a split system. That means it consist of two parts: and indoor unit (coil) and outdoor (condensing) unit. These two parts are specifically designed to work together as a coordinated "team" to provide top performance and maximum efficiency and comfort. Plus, since both components are necessary for a working system, both parts of your existing system were originally installed at the same time - which means they both wear out at the same time. So if you install a new outdoor unit, be sure to include a new, equally efficient "matched" indoor unit.

If you don't replace your indoor unit, you won't be getting what you paid for. In fact, your system could be up to 15% less efficient than stated - and you'll be less comfortable, too. That's why simply replacing just the outdoor unit isn't a bargain in the long run.

Replacing the outdoor unit but leaving the old indoor unit may offer you the lowest price, but it won't give you the best value. At best, when your air conditioning or heat pump components don't match, you'll be sacrificing comfort. The system may still "work," but it won't perform up to the promised energy efficiency. Over time, this will also cost you more money. At worst, when the components aren't matched, it could create undue stress on your cooling system, resulting in unnecessary, premature failure.

When you consider the sacrifices and the added costs of repairing or replacing these unmatched units, installing a matched system the first time around makes good sense. You'll get higher efficiencies, greater reliability and more comfort. And that's a real bargain.

What is a SEER Rating?

Cooling efficiency for air conditioners is indicated by a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating, which tells you how efficiently a unit uses electricity: the higher the number, the greater the efficiency.

The typical SEER rating of units manufactured prior to 1992 is about 6.0. In 1992, the government established the minimum cooling efficiency standard for units installed in new homes at 10.0 SEER. High-efficiency units have a SEER of at least 12.0; the maximum available is about 17.

The four biggest factors in your home's comfort are:
ˇ Temperature
ˇ Fresh and Clean Air
ˇ Humidity
ˇ System Control

Temperature
To most people, temperature is both the beginning and the end of any discussion involving comfort. To AABC, simple temperature management is only the beginning. To achieve superior indoor comfort, you've got to start with the basics -- heating or cooling -- as the foundation for your system

Fresh and Clean Air
Dusty, dirty homes at any temperature can cause feelings of discomfort to many people, especially allergy sufferers. And, the air in today's tightly-sealed, well-insulated and energy-efficient homes can become stale as the same indoor air is circulated and re-circulated. The fact is, with dust, pollen, pet dander, mold, skin flakes, chemical fumes, cigarette smoke, and Radon gas and more, the air inside your home can be even more polluted than the air outside. AABC can design the perfect system for your home to help alleviate these problems and therefore add another level of comfort.

Humidity
Humidity is a funny thing. In the winter, dry air can cause static electricity, itchy skin, damage to home furnishings and more. Adding humidity is a good thing because it makes the air feel warmer and more comfortable while minimizing damage to furnishings. In the summer, it is preferable to remove humidity so indoor air feels cooler and less sticky.

System Control
Many of the common comfort complaints from homeowners include: inconsistent temperatures from one room to the next, up and down temperature swings, constantly adjusting the thermostat, and more. System controls of varying degrees of sophistication can help with these issues, offering straight temperature control, programmability that allows setting a "comfort schedule," temperature and humidity control combined, and dividing the home into zones which can be controlled separately.

Typically, filters should be replaced or cleaned monthly. Disposal filters should be replaced with filters of like type and size as the original filter

When the thermostat is set to "auto," the fan operates only when the temperature requires it. This is the most used setting. However, there are advantages to using the "on" setting. First of all, the air in the house is constantly filtered through the unit's air filter. Secondly, the constantly circulating air results in an even temperature throughout the house. However, the "on" position will result in higher humidity since air is being blown over wet coils after the condenser shuts off.