Frequently Asked Questions
Check the thermostat settings and make sure it is set to the correct setting either heat or cool (or battery if the thermostat is blank). Ensure your unit has power by checking your breaker and the switch by the indoor unit. If you do need to reset the breaker wait at least 30 seconds before flipping it back on to give the unit time to reset itself. Lastly, replace dirty filters and inspect visible components for issues. If problems persist, contact A-Plus to schedule a technician diagnosis.
If your thermostat is blank, that means there is no power going to the thermostat. First, replace the batteries on the back of the thermostat. If your thermostatโs display is still blank, check the power switch of your HVAC system located by the indoor furnace or AC unit which is usually located inside the mechanical closet or in the attic (if your indoor unit is located in the attic). The last thing that can be checked prior to calling our AC repair service is the breaker in your breaker panel, as well as the breaker located behind your outdoor unit. If you are still experiencing a blank thermostat after checking the above-mentioned items, give your AC repair company a call to schedule a diagnosis. If the issue is not related to equipment failure, you might have a clogged drain line that tripped your emergency float switch.
If your AC & Heater is not turning on, before calling your local AC Repair company check to make sure your thermostat is set to the correct mode, (i.e. Cooling or Heating). Then, check the power switch of your HVAC system located by the indoor furnace/ac (usually inside the mechanical closet, or in the attic if thatโs where your indoor unit is). If this switch is flipped to โonโ, check the breaker in your breaker panel, as well as the breaker located behind your outdoor unit. Lastly, check the batteries on your thermostat. If these mentioned steps do not solve the issue, call your trusted AC repair company to check out your AC or heating unit.
Under no circumstances should you ever see water around or inside your AC unit. As soon as you discover a leak, be sure to turn off your air conditioner and call for help right away. Turning off your AC can help prevent further damage to the electrical components of your AC and limit the amount of water damage to your home. A clogged drain line, a frozen coil, or a drain pan that has a hole inside the pan could cause the water leak. Remember that an HVAC unit that receives regular twice-annual maintenance is likely to need costly repairs.
Unusual noises like banging, hissing, or buzzing could indicate loose parts, debris, electrical issues, compressor motor or fan blade problems. First, turn off the system to prevent further damage. Then check for visible debris or obstructions. If the debris cannot easily be removed or noise persists once turned back on, contact A-Plus Air Conditioning and have a professional technician to inspect and diagnose the issue safely.
Strange indoor noises such as squealing, rattling, or clicking may point to issues with the blower motor, blower wheel, loose components or air rush noises. If this is a new sound, turn off the unit and check for obvious signs of obstruction or damage. Avoid using the system until itโs been evaluated by our licensed HVAC technician to prevent further complications. If this is a persistent sound, such as an air rush sound, it could be due to an undersized return air. One of our energy consultants can help come up with a solution.
An Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) is required for homeowners selling homes more than 10 years old within the Austin Energy service area, located within the Austin city limits unless the homes have completed the Austin Energy Whole House Rebate program within the last 10 years. If you are unsure if your home needs an ECAD audit, you can speak to an ECAD auditor at (512) 450-1980 for confirmation.
A good rule of thumb is to replace your standard 1-inch AC filter every 30 โ 90 days depending on usage of the AC system, number of occupants in the house and environmental conditions. If you have pets or suffer from allergies, consider replacing your AC filter more often. If your HVAC system uses a thicker 4-inch filter, these should be replaced twice a year. At A-Plus, if any homeowner has a replacement filter at the time of an AC tune-up or repair service call, our techs will replace your filter at no additional labor cost.
To make a long answer short, you should opt to use the cheapest, PLEATED filter available in the correct size for your unit. Avoid all fiberglass air filters as they do not filter most dust, allergens and particles. They can also cause damage to your AC coil.
Have you noticed that pricing for A/C or Heating Check-Ups vary between companies. Some check-ups are as low as $29, while others are $79 or $89? Many of our customers have shared that companies who offer cheap check-ups have a tendency to find extra issues with their HVAC system, and oversell repairs that are not needed. These low priced check-ups do not take into account the cost to send a technician to your home. These costs include not only paying the technicians, but also gas, taxes, overhead and supplies stocked on the vehicle. The only way these companies can stay in business is by charging for extra work. On the other side, companies like A-Plus, who pay their techs a livable wage for all appointments, including basic check-ups, ensure a more thorough and honest inspection on an HVAC system. When issues are found, you can feel more comfortable that the techโs recommendations are more legitimate. Good companies like A-Plus do not sell repairs to customers that are not needed.
If you live in Texas you are familiar with the phrase, โIf you donโt like the weather, wait five minutes!โ But we can guarantee you one thing, due to our warm/hot climate in Austin, you will probably use your Air Conditioner 12 months out of the year. Our goal is to make sure your AC system is ready whenever you need it. We believe it is better for a company to be proactive, not reactive. At all Air Conditioning & Heating check-ups, and diagnostic appointments we perform a refrigerant leak search to make sure your evaporator coil is in good working order year around.
Consider the systemโs age, repair frequency, and cost of repairs. If repairs cost are high ($500-$1500) and/or the unit is over 12 years old, a replacement might be more cost-effective. Our technicians can make recommendations for repairs or replacements during their diagnosis to help come up with the best, most cost efficient solution.
6. What is a SEER2 rating and why is it important?
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 (SEER2) measures an AC unitโs efficiency. Higher SEER2 ratings mean better efficiency and lower energy bills, making it an important factor when choosing a new unit. Think of it like you would think of a car. The more miles per gallons you get, the less gallons of gas you use and the less it cost to operate.
Professional installation is recommended to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with local codes. Improper installation can lead to performance issues and void warranties. Many of our AC installations qualify for utility company rebates, manufacturer rebates and/or federal tax credits. In order to receive these savings a professional HVAC company must install your system.
Options include central air conditioning systems with gas or electric heat, heat pumps, ductless packaged heating and air systems, and ductless mini-splits. Our HVAC consultants can assist choosing the best HVAC system for your space.
Older systems use R-22 (Freon) or R-410A (Puron), which is being phased out due to environmental concerns and high global warming potential. Beginning in 2025, new systems will no longer use R-410A and be replaced with a more environmentally friendly alternatives, R-32 and R-454B. Upgrading to newer refrigerants reduces ecological impact. However all refrigerant removed from old systems are reclaimed and recycled for future use.
Zoning systems divide your home into different areas, allowing for different temperature settings in different parts of your home. Essentially a zoning system allows a single system to emulate as multiple systems. This can improve comfort, enhance efficiency, and reduce energy costs.
Sealing leaky ducts brings more conditioned air into your home and less into your closet or attic. Adding insulation reduces the amount of time your air conditioning runs costing you less. Upgrading windows or adding solar screens reduces the amount of radiant heat that comes through your windows bringing less heat into your house and reducing the time your AC system runs. Weather-stripping doors and exteriors keeps conditioned air and unconditioned air out. These examples of improvements that can help reduces your energy usage, enhances comfort, and lowers utility bills by creating a barrier to keep the heat out of your living space in the summer and the cool out in the winter.
Consider the systemโs age, repair frequency, and cost of repairs. If repairs cost are high ($500-$1500) and/or the unit is over 12 years old, a replacement might be more cost-effective. Our technicians can make recommendations for repairs or replacements during their diagnosis to help come up with the best, most cost efficient solution.
