Why You Should Use a Pro for Air Conditioning Installations in Rockwall, TX

You can enjoy the benefits of a cool, comfortable home with central air conditioning.

Today, a growing number of people tackle home improvement projects, such as air conditioning installations, without the help of a professional. However, you should think twice about doing a DIY project when it comes to central air.

For many reasons, each summer can feel hotter than the last. It may even make you want to replace your window AC unit or your old central air system with a new one.

However, many people fail to follow through with the thought. Some believe that it’s too expensive to replace air conditioning. Others worry that the project will destroy their home. However, the process is more penny-wise and beneficial than you might imagine.

To learn why you should use a pro for air conditioning installations in Rockwall, TX, continue reading.

The Cost of Keeping Cool

87% of US residents have air conditioning, according to the latest poll results of the EIA Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS). On average, households spend about $265 on air conditioning, according to the study.

American households spend close to $2,000 per year for energy. That amount equals about 12% of total home energy spending.

Residents in the southeast US, however, spend a little more coin to keep cool. The typical Southeast household spends approximately $525 to keep their homes comfortable in the summer.

In hot, humid regions such as the Southwest, 94% of households use air conditioning. There, cooling costs make up an average of 27% of home energy expenses.

Across the United States, central air conditioning is a feature commonly found in new homes. More owners of older homes, however, are opting for central air systems.

Between 1980 and 1993, the RECS survey revealed that only 50% of consumers with homes built before 1970 had central air. Now, however, that amount has increased to 67%.

Consumers that stick with window AC units can typically only cool a limited amount of space in their homes. Because consumers with window AC units cool less square footage of their homes, they spend less on electricity. For example, a household with window units may pay a little over $150 per year compared to the average cost of $300 to operate a central air system.

However, it costs window air conditioner owners twice as much to cool the same square foot area compared to consumers who own central air systems. As an example, it costs approximately $0.30 per square foot to cool a home using a window air conditioner, whereas it only costs $0.15 per square foot with central air.

Investing Wisely: Central Air Conditioning Installations Offer Maximum Comfort

For a relatively nominal investment, you can increase the efficiency of your central air system and save on energy costs. If you own a central air system, you can cut down costs and boost the efficiency of your system by using appliances such as ceiling fans, dehumidifiers and evaporative coolers.

A central air system circulates air continuously through supply and return ducts. It also helps to dehumidify the air. However, it may not do this part of the job so efficiently depending on the humidity levels of a specific region.

If you live in a humid, hot area, you may feel compelled to upgrade to central air conditioning. This kind of system is more efficient than window air conditioners. Central air conditioning systems are also quieter and easier to operate compared to window units.

You can save money on energy costs by choosing an energy-efficient central air system. If you have an older air conditioning unit, an updated more energy-efficient system can help slash your utility bill.

A skilled HVAC contractor can help you understand how much you can save by updating your air conditioning. They’ll also make sure that you choose the right equipment to cool your home efficiently.

If you’re using an older cooling system, an upgrade is a wise choice. Today’s efficient home cooling systems use 30% to 50% less energy to produce the same cooling effect as equipment made in the 70s. Even if your system is only ten years old, today’s air conditioning systems will save you 20 - 40% on cooling costs.

The Right Central Air System Will Restore Your Home to Cool Comfort

Choosing the right air conditioning system is important. If you choose an air conditioning system that is too big, it cannot remove humidity efficiently. If you choose one that’s too small, however, it won’t keep you cool on the hottest days.

It’s also essential to install the air conditioning unit and the ducts in the right locations. An HVAC contractor with experience knows where to place the equipment for maximum efficiency.

What It Takes to Feel the Breeze in Your Home

HVAC installation cost averages between $2,500 to $4,000 for a 2,000 square-foot home. Contractors can complete the installation project in two to three days. However, the project will take longer if you also need ductwork.

Ductwork can double the time and expense of central air installation. However, a skilled contractor can neatly hide ductwork behind walls as well as in closets and attic spaces. Furthermore, they can do so with minimal breaks in your drywall and ceilings.

A competent contractor will evaluate your air conditioning needs using HVAC industry standards. The Air Conditioning Contractors of America manual outlines how to calculate the heat gain of your home.

For professional contractors, this calculation is relatively easy, but it can prove difficult if you’re not familiar with the process. It will reveal the exact size of the central air conditioning system that you’ll need.

If a contractor starts to make equipment recommendations without doing these calculations – find a new one. Many factors can affect the cooling requirements for your home. The best way to measure all the variables that determine the right system for your needs is to work through the standardized formula.

You can talk to installers about the efficiency of different air conditioning systems. A skilled contractor will also help you pick an air conditioning system with an efficient SEER rating. The SEER rating will help you to choose the optimal air conditioning system for your home.

A Lot is Riding on Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system is one of the most important major appliances in your home. Accordingly, it makes sense to take the time to exercise due diligence when researching which new system to install.

Modern HVAC systems are very complex. As a result, it’s important to choose an HVAC professional who is qualified to do the job right. Not all air conditioning contractors have the skill and expertise to provide you with the service that you deserve.

Many homeowners who fail to research a contractor before hiring them have the unpleasant task of calling that service provider back to fix mistakes. Even when purchasing new equipment, a bad installation can cause central air systems to perform undesirably. If, for example, a contractor takes a shortcut and installs a new central air unit without assessing your duct system, it may prove to be an incompatible mess between the equipment and ductwork.

Furthermore, your ductwork may have leaks. A leaky duct system can reduce cooling capacity by as much as 35%. Unfortunately, an underqualified contractor will likely not return to correct errors for free.

Why It's Important to Choose the Right HVAC Technician

There’s an even bigger issue than performance when it comes to choosing the right contractor. Major appliances such as central air come with warranties. Manufacturers require contractors to install equipment properly for those warranties to remain valid.

A subpar installation can void your central air conditioning warranty. Furthermore, an important part of installing central air is tuning the system.

Proper tuning can affect the lifecycle of your new equipment. It’s important to know that the contractor you choose to install your new central air unit knows how to perform all aspects of the job. In the end, a skilled HVAC contractor will help you meet all the cooling needs of your home.

DIY HVAC: Don’t Do It!

Many times, if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. However, that’s not the case when it comes to central air installation.

Some people are highly skilled in do-it-yourself projects. Others, however, are well aware that their skills don’t go far beyond hanging a picture on the wall.

Either way, it’s important to know your limits. Even if you have a great deal of experience in do-it-yourself projects, you must make an honest assessment of your ability to install central air if you’re considering it.

There’s also the issue of permits and inspections. If you own your home, you can do just about anything you want. However, that doesn’t make installing your own central air a good idea.

In most municipalities, you can’t legally go into someone else’s residence to make certain repairs without a license. As a rule of thumb, if you cannot legally do a project in someone else’s home, you shouldn’t do it in your own home.

For instance, if a project calls for the skills of a plumber, electrician or HVAC specialist, it’s a good idea to leave the job to a pro. If you do a DIY project and something goes wrong, you can place your home and yourself in severe danger.

The Benefits of Hiring a Pro for the Job

It all comes down to being honest with yourself. When it comes to a big project like central air installation, put your ego aside.

Admitting that you need help from a professional doesn’t mean you can’t do the job. However, there’s often a cost to do-it-yourself projects.

There’s a learning curve. You’ll make mistakes along the way, but you’ll most likely get the job done. However, this learning curve can prove costly when installing something as complex as a central air conditioning unit.

If it’s your home, of course, you can make as many mistakes as you like, but you have to pay for those mistakes in time and materials. More importantly, however, the peace of mind of knowing that a professional did the job right the first time is priceless.

Choosing the Right HVAC Professional

An experienced HVAC technician knows how to avoid the missteps involved in installing a new central air system. Training and experience enable a professional contractor to perform an efficient and safe HVAC installation.

HVAC is a broad field of expertise. Technicians in the field receive specialized training in installing, repairing and maintaining central air conditioning systems.

However, don’t assume someone knows what they’re doing just because they say they are an HVAC professional. Always check a potential contractor’s credentials. For example, make sure a potential contractor is licensed, bonded and insured.

Also, not every HVAC technician knows how to do every job. Make sure that a potential contractor has experience working on similar projects.

You should also do online research. For example, check with your state licensing board website and make sure a potential contractor’s license is up-to-date.

While you’re online, you should also look for references and reviews from other customers. Other peoples’ experience with AC contractors can help you get an idea of the quality of an HVAC technicians’ work.

When You Need Reliable HVAC Service in Rockwall, TX

A licensed, experienced HVAC professional can help you beat the heat in Rockwall, Texas. If your air conditioning system isn’t performing as desired, don’t wait – you deserve to feel cool and comfortable in your home.

Aire Serve HVAC technicians have performed air conditioning installations that have helped many residents in and around Rockwall restore their homes to cool comfort. Our experts are standing by and ready to help you get your home back on the road to cool.