What Homeowners Want to Know About HVAC in Dallas, TX

Outdoor air conditioning units used for home HVAC in Dallas, TX

Everybody loves HVAC in Dallas, and for good reason—temperatures routinely soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, and dip down to 30 degrees or colder in the winter. Being able to adequately heat and cool your home or commercial business is critical not just for comfort, but for survival.

Even though you almost certainly have some sort of HVAC in Dallas, TX—and use it every day—you may not have all the information you should know about this modern marvel of convenience. Whether you're currently experiencing an issue with your system or want to ensure it's running at peak efficiency, expert advice will help you make informed decisions about the care and maintenance of your property.

This guide provides answers to some frequently asked questions about HVAC in Dallas, TX, along with expert advice from the service professionals at Aire Serv of Dallas. If you need HVAC repair, replacement, and installation services, you can rely on our team to deliver a high quality of services and exceptional customer care.

What Exactly Is HVAC, Anyway?

You probably generally know what the acronym HVAC refers to, but what does it stand for? Does it refer to central duct systems only, or is it broader than that? What does it look like in Dallas?

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It's a blanket term that refers to all the different systems that are used to heat and cool homes or commercial properties by moving air between indoor and outdoor environments, from your furnace or boiler to your air conditioner. HVAC systems also include air filtration and humidity control, which is particularly important in our Dallas, TX climate.

Some HVAC in Dallas, TX is separate. For example, you may have a furnace or boiler for heating and portable window units or a traditional air conditioning system, or you may not have a furnace at all, just AC combined with a heat pump.

The most common set-up in Dallas’ modern homes and buildings is a package system that combines a furnace with an air conditioner and uses the same air ducts to heat or cool as needed.

What's Wrong With My HVAC in Dallas, TX?

We won't know for sure what is giving you trouble with your system until we are able to examine it thoroughly in person, but there are some common issues that may be causing problems.

Typical issues with HVAC in Dallas, TX include:

  • No air from registers

  • Refrigerant is leaking

  • Clogged filters

  • Broken thermostat

  • Furnace isn't heating up

  • Air conditioner is blasting hot air

  • HVAC won't turn on or won't turn off

  • Strange noises from unit or ducts

These and many more symptoms of issues with HVAC in Dallas can be really frustrating, especially when you're sweating away during the summer or shivering in the winter. Whatever the problem, our service professionals are standing ready 24 hours per day, seven days per week to get your system under control, so you can breathe a sigh of relief in cozy or cool comfort. Need more information? Here are our explanations for 13 common Dallas heating and cooling problems.

How Do I Keep My Dallas HVAC System in Good Condition?

The best way to ensure that your system remains in great shape for as long as possible is a preventative maintenance plan. Regular heating and air conditioning system tune-ups will help you avoid costly repairs and replacements, because you’ll be able to find and eliminate small issues before they spiral into expensive, stressful headaches.

That being said, there are a few basic steps you can take to help maintain your Dallas HVAC system:

  • Change or clean your filters whenever they begin to look discolored or dirty. A general rule of thumb is to change them once per month during periods of high usage in summer and winter, and every other month when usage is lower in spring and fall.

  • Trim bushes and tree branches so they're at least a few feet away from your outdoor compressor unit, to avoid moisture-laden leaves brushing up against it.

  • Inspect ducts for any signs of dust, mold, or debris that could be blocking airflow or lowering the quality of air indoors. Dirty ducts can have a negative effect on allergy sufferers in particular.

  • Change batteries in your thermostat if necessary, and check to make sure it's set to the correct temperature for your needs.

How Often Do I Need Maintenance Services for My HVAC in Dallas, TX?

Ideally, you should have a service professional give your HVAC a tune-up twice per year, once before the summer cooling season and once before the winter heating season. If you don't use your heating system much during the winter, you can probably get away with an annual air conditioner maintenance schedule in the spring to ensure everything is ready to go for summer.

How Can I Save Money on My Energy Bill?

HVAC systems are almost certainly the biggest sources of energy consumption in Dallas homes, which means they’re the most costly expense on your energy bill. If you are currently running an older system, replacement can save you a significant amount of money. In fact, a brand-new, modern HVAC system can use 30%-50% less energy than a system that is a couple of decades old, which will take a huge bite out of your energy costs and keep your money in your bank account where it belongs.

Frequent duct cleaning and maintenance to ensure your system is running efficiently will also help quite a bit. Here are a few additional suggestions:

  • Install a ceiling fan to increase air circulation. Because the fan pushes rising hot air down in the winter and stirs cool air up from the floor in summer, it can change the temperature in your home by about four or five degrees, allowing you to save energy by adjusting your thermostat higher in the summer and lower in the winter.

  • Block out sunlight by keeping curtains drawn in the hottest parts of the day, or by shading the side of your house that gets the most direct sunlight beating down on it.

  • Close vents in rooms that are not being frequently used to help avoid wear and tear on your system.

Should I Get a Programmable Thermostat?

If you're looking for ways to increase energy efficiency in Dallas, installing a programmable thermostat is a great idea. You can set a schedule with varying temperatures for different times of the day. For example, if everyone is typically out of the house by 8 am and home by 5 pm, set the thermostat to turn off at 8 and start back up around 4:30 pm. That way, you don't have to remember to tinker around with it before you rush off in the morning, and by the time you get home, your house will be at your preferred temperature.

Need Repair, Maintenance, or Installation Services for Your HVAC in Dallas, TX? Count on Aire Serv of Dallas!

Whether you're in Garland, Las Colinas, Allen, or a nearby part of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you can rely on the courteous team at Aire Serv of Dallas for high-quality workmanship and outstanding customer service. Our experienced service professionals take pride in serving their community with comfort solutions for HVAC in Dallas, TX.

Give us a call today to request an appointment or to find out more about how we can make your home more comfortable and your life easier!