Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Inflation Reduction Act take effect?

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will take effect 2023.

What is the Inflation Reduction Act?

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is a government incentive to encourage homeowners to install heat pumps HVAC systems as well as other energy efficient home improvements. In 2023 federal tax credits will be for homeowners who install high efficiency heat pumps systems and other electrical conversion needs. For more details and information please don’t hesitate to give our office a call at 512-450-1980.

Has the Federal Government reinstated the Federal tax rebate for new HVAC systems in 2022?

Yes, the Federal Tax Rebates have been reinstated for high efficiency air conditioning and heat pumps system. This rebate is retroactive from January 1, 2022. Homeowners can receive up to $300 per qualify system, not to excused $500 per home.

What is the difference between SEER and SEER2 energy ratings?

Since the early 1990’s, the Department of Energy has required manufactures to build cooling equipment that performs with greater efficiency. This efficiency is rated by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. Recently, new equipment testing procedures are able to better predict the HVAC unit’s actual operating efficiency under real-world conditions, resulting in a new energy efficiency rating system named SEER 2. Starting January 1, 2023 all HVAC systems installed in the United States must be rated using the SEER2 rating and meet minimum efficiency standards for your area.

How much will it cost to install a new Cooling & Heating system?

The price for a new system varies. It is nearly impossible to give accurate quotes without visiting your home first. The pricing can vary depending on the AC system brand, energy rating, warranty, location of indoor equipment (is it located in the attic or closet), tonnage of unit (size of house), single, 2 stage or variable speed compressor, bringing your HVAC system up to code, as well as many other factors. Most of the time we choose not to give quotes sight unseen because if we quote a price too low over the phone, customers are upset if our price is higher than we quoted when we visit their home for a formal quote. On the other hand, if we quote a price too high customer will not invite us to come to their home to give an accurate price.

I Hear My Unit Running, so Why Don't I Feel Air Coming Out My Vents?

The most common cause of low airflow from your vents is a blocked or dirty AC filter. When your filters are dirty, or the return air grill is blocked, it decreases the efficiency of your entire AC system and significantly reduces its ability to cool your home. Be sure to keep the area around your AC filter clear and clean or change your AC filter once a month during heavy-use times like summer. Other causes of low airflow include bad blower motors, frozen coils, or ducts that have split open.

What Should I Do if I See Ice on My Unit or Copper Lines?

If you have ice on your air conditioner, the first thing you should do is shut the unit off to allow your system to thaw. Our AC Techs will not be able to diagnose your unit while it is blocked with ice. Next, check your AC filter and replace, if needed. If your filter’s not dirty, give our office a call at 512-450-1980 to schedule an AC diagnosis today. A dirty evaporated coil, low levels of refrigerant (R-22 or R-410A), restricted airflow through the AC unit, or other mechanical failures that need to be repaired by a licensed HVAC technician, could all be the cause of the ice on your unit.

My Thermostat Is Blank, What Does That Mean?

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 thermostat’s 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.

Nothing’s Turning On! What Can I Check First Before Calling for Service?

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 that’s where your indoor unit is). If this switch is flipped to “on”, 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.

I See Water On the Floor of My Heater Closet. What Should I Do?

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.

How Often Should I Replace My Filter?

A good rule of thumb is to replace your standard 1-inch AC filter every 30 – 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.

What Type of HVAC Filter Should I Use?

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.

Why Does My House Feel So Humid? Is There Anything I Can Do To Fix It?

The longer your AC runs the more humidity it removes from your home. If your AC unit is short cycling or not running long enough, your home may feel more humid. If your AC system is low on refrigerant (Freon) or is oversized, that could cause excess humidity as well. A dehumidifier may help alleviate the situation. If your AC unit is over 10 years old, replacing your HVAC unit should be considered.

If One Room Is Colder Than Another Room, Should I Have an Energy Audit?

If one room is colder or hotter than the rest of the house, you should have an evaluation of your ductwork to see if the ducts need to be replaced or modified to correct the airflow imbalance. An Energy audit is an evaluation of your ducts, as well as other weatherization improvements that help make your home more energy efficient. Installing dampers and proper air balancing of your ducts can help remedy the situation.

Is a cheap AC or Heating check-up really worth it?

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 tech’s recommendations are more legitimate. Good companies like A-Plus do not sell repairs to customers that are not needed.

Is a free diagnostic with repair really a free diagnostic?

You might see many companies advertise that they offer “free diagnostics” with repairs. However, the diagnosis is really NOT free. These companies build the diagnostic cost into repair cost, resulting in higher repair cost then companies who charge the diagnostic upfront. Either way, you will be paying a diagnostic fee whether it is upfront or built into repair cost.

Why do we check evaporator coils year around?

If you live in Texas you are familiar with the phrase, “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes!” 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.

When Do I Need an ECAD Audit?

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.

Who Pays For the ECAD Audit?

The seller of a residential building is required to pay for and provide the ECAD audit to the buyer prior to the sale of their home. Non-compliance with the ECAD ordinance can result in fines up to $2,000.

What Is Done in an ECAD Audit?

A Certified ECAD Energy Professional will fill out a report auditing the homes AC and heating systems’ efficiency, duct performance, attic insulation levels and other energy efficiency measures. For more information about what is included, check out the Austin Energy ECAD website.

What's the Difference Between an ECAD Audit and an Energy Audit?

An Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) is an audit required by Austin Energy for homes that are being sold in Austin. An Energy Audit is a consultation with homeowners who want to make their home more energy efficient and may include other items not included in an ECAD, such as heat load analysis, Manual J’s, attic ventilation and more.

How Much Should I Pay For an ECAD Audit?

Pricing for an Austin Energy ECAD Audit starts at $150 and depends on the number of AC units at a residence.

What Kind of Services Does a Handyman Do?

Our skilled handymen can tackle a number of home maintenance jobs, including hanging photos, installing blinds, replacing light fixtures, adjusting doors, minor fence and deck repairs, minor wood rod repair, gutter cleaning, and more! A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Services also has a team that can help with larger home repairs or remodels such as flooring installation, painting, siding replacement, etc. Many repairs might require a licensed plumber or electrician, and we can help with those too! The best thing to do is prepare your “Honey-Do-List” before calling A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Services, so that you can go over it with our friendly office staff.