Your Questions About Dallas Heating and Air Conditioning Answered

Dallas heating and air conditioning are always top concerns for local residents. When Dallas is being hammered by blistering heat in the summer or shivering from cooler temperatures in the winter, you need the peace of mind of knowing that you can retreat to a comfortable temperature in your home or business.

Your HVAC system works hard year-round to keep your house at your desired temperature, and it doesn't ask too much in return — but it does need regular maintenance and repairs to keep functioning smoothly and efficiently through all the crazy weather we get here in Dallas. If you're experiencing issues with your current system or considering an upgrade to your Dallas heating and air conditioning, you likely have some questions. Well, we have answers!

This guide answers some of the most commonly asked questions about HVAC in Dallas with expert advice from the service professionals at Aire Serv of Dallas. You can rely on us 24/7 for reliable, quality workmanship and excellent customer service. Complete customer satisfaction is our top priority!

What is the Difference Between Central and Ductless?

You've heard the terms “central air” and “ductless” in reference to Dallas heating and air conditioning, but do you know what they mean? What's best for your home, and does it even matter, as long as you can relax in cozy or cool comfort?

When it comes down to what's best for you, it really depends on what type of heating and air conditioning equipment you already have — or don't have — installed. Air ducts are costly to install, because the process involves opening up multiple parts of the walls to get ducts in place and then, of course, the drywall needs to be repaired.

Older homes that were built before ductwork may not even have the space for it inside the walls, which presents an even bigger and more expensive challenge. That's why the recommendation for what is best and most cost-effective will vary based on your home and existing infrastructure.

Central Dallas Heating and Air Conditioning

Central heating and air conditioning systems use ductwork to move warm or cool air around your house and blow it out of registers to maintain your desired temperature. There are two main types: split systems and package systems. Package systems combine heating and cooling, while split systems have separate units for those two purposes.

Ductless Dallas Heating and Air Conditioning

As the name suggests, this type of heating and air conditioning equipment doesn't require ducts to operate. Ductless systems, which are also called mini split air conditioning and heating systems, utilize individual units in each room, which are linked to an outdoor compressor unit. They are the preferred choice for buildings that don't already have ductwork installed.

What Are My Other Options for Dallas Heating and Air Conditioning?

If central and ductless systems aren't a good option for your property, there are a few additional types of air conditioning that may be able to meet your needs. Portable wall and window units are capable of cooling one or maybe two rooms, but they aren't going to be effective at cooling and dehumidifying an entire house. They are mounted on the wall or window ledge and vent out of the window.

There's also a type of AC called evaporative coolers or swamp coolers, but they aren't the best choice for Dallas. That's because they use evaporation to remove heat, making them most effective in dry climates. Dallas gets a decent amount of humidity blowing in from the Gulf, so evaporative coolers won't work as well here as they would in a more desert-like area such as west Texas.

What are the Signs I Need Dallas Heating Repair?

Wondering if your heating system is ready to go for another winter, or if you need heating repair to make sure you stay toasty warm during the cold months? Here are some of the biggest warning signs that you need heating repair service:

• Strange noises coming from the heating unit or vents

• Increased energy costs

• Nothing happens when you adjust the thermostat

• Heater is turning itself on and off frequently

• Your house seems dustier than usual or air quality is poor

• Pilot light on your furnace is yellow

• Water pooling under or near your HVAC unit

• Unit is more than about 10 years old and giving you trouble

Should I Repair or Replace My Dallas Heating and Air Conditioning System?

The age-old "repair or replace" question is one of the most common things our service professionals are asked. It comes down to a few complex factors. In some cases, we can perform one or two repairs and get everything back in perfect working order. However, there are many situations in which replacement will actually be more effective, both in a financial sense and for your comfort. In either case, consider call a professional if you seen any signs that you need HVAC repairs.

Here are some key factors to consider:

• If your unit is more than about a decade old and you're seeing signs of malfunctioning, costly repairs aren't worth it because the system is nearing the end of its lifespan.

• If multiple complicated repairs are needed or one of the most expensive parts of the unit such as the compressor coil is broken, repair will be more costly than replacement.

• If your unit is constantly malfunctioning, regardless of its age, replacement makes more sense than repeated service calls.

• If your system is not energy efficient, then it's hard on your bank account because it uses more energy to compensate and increases your utility bill; additionally, it’s hard on the environment.

Can Dallas Heating and Air Conditioning Services Save Money on Energy Bills?

Repairing a malfunctioning HVAC system or replacing it altogether with a new, energy-efficient model can save you a significant amount of money on your energy bill. How much exactly depends on factors such as your current level of energy efficiency and the age of your unit. Manufacturers are constantly trying to improve energy efficiency, so if you replace an old unit with a brand-new model, you can expect it to use 30%-50% less energy. That translates to big savings on your energy costs, and it's a big reason why it's so important to do an annual energy efficiency evaluation to make sure your property is running at peak efficiency.

What is a SEER Rating?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It's a measure of the maximum cooling efficiency of your air conditioning unit — the higher the SEER rating, the more efficient your unit is. Most new units have a SEER rating that ranges between 13 and 21. However, it's worth noting that the U.S. Department of Energy requires residential AC units in the southwest, including Texas, to have a SEER of 14 at minimum, and that is set to increase to 15 in 2023.

Can I Get Emergency Service for Dallas Heating and Air Conditioning?

When you find yourself in an emergency situation with a broken heater or AC, you don't have to sweat it out alone! Our service technicians are available 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Just give us a call any time, and we'll be at your door with a smile as soon as possible to get your HVAC system under control, so you can breathe a (perfectly cooled) sigh of relief.

Trust Aire Serv of Dallas for Quality Heating and Air Conditioning Services

Whether you're in Dallas or a nearby area such as Mesquite, Irving, or Rowlett, you can count on us for reliable Dallas heating and air conditioning services. Give us a call today to chat with our friendly customer service representatives and find out why we're considered the number one choice for outstanding services!