Press Releases Archive - Page 11 of 29 - A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

Signs Your Old AC Unit May Need Replacement

How to Know if the Air Conditioner May Need Replacing

As the summer approaches, having functioning air conditioning will become more and more essential. That means it’s important to be alert for signs that the air conditioner may need replacement. Obviously, if it’s nearing the end of its life expectancy or needs frequent repairs, it’s time for a new air conditioner, but there are other signs that indicate an AC replacement could be needed.

The House Isn’t Getting Cool Enough

If warm air is coming out of the air conditioning system’s vents or there is weak airflow, something is likely going on with the air conditioner. Many things could be the underlying issue behind this discomfort. A loss of cooling could point to problems like a refrigerant leak, a dirty evaporator coil, a malfunctioning thermostat, an improperly sized AC unit, an old unit, and more.

Some of these issues can be solved with AC repair or maintenance, while others may require an air conditioner replacement. If there’s an issue with the comfort or temperature in the house, a professional can assess the situation and determine the best solution to restore comfort.

Rising Energy Costs

If energy bills have risen unexpectedly when the home’s energy usage has remained the same, it can indicate that the air conditioner is operating inefficiently. There are also various possible reasons for the loss of efficiency, such as AC maintenance being neglected, an old air conditioner, or something malfunctioning and causing the unit to work harder.

As air conditioners age, they lose efficiency, meaning they must work harder to maintain the temperature and cost more to operate. If this is the cause of inefficiency, it may be time for air conditioning replacement. The higher cooling costs could also point to the need for air conditioner repair or maintenance.

Strange Sounds or Smells

Unusual sounds and smells coming from an AC unit can be other signs of a problem with the air conditioner. These can also indicate that air conditioning repair, maintenance, or replacement is needed, and a technician should be called to inspect it. A lingering burning smell, for example, should be addressed by a professional quickly since it can mean that there is an overheated motor or electrical damage that can lead to a fire. A gasoline smell or a smell similar to car engine exhaust fumes can indicate an AC refrigerant leak, while a musty odor could be due to issues like clogged condensate lines or an improperly sized AC unit.

When air conditioners make strange noises during operation, such as banging, clicking, squealing, screeching, buzzing, hissing, and more, it also indicates the need for service. Some causes of the sounds and smells may only require repair or maintenance, while others could require replacing the AC unit. A technician can inspect the system to determine the reason for the sound or smell and the best solution to fix it.

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions is a family-owned and operated company serving the Austin area. They provide flat-rate pricing, financing, and fast friendly service. Call them for air conditioning installation and replacement in Austin, TX.

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Tips for Increasing the Appeal of Your Home for Potential Buyers

3 Popular Home Features That Home Buyers Are Looking For

If homeowners are considering selling their homes, it’s important to know what kinds of things that home buyers are looking for. The things that people once wanted from a new home have changed. Instead of large houses on big lots, many homebuyers are willing to settle for smaller homes on smaller lots, provided that they have certain key features. For anyone looking to sell a home, this post will share three popular home features that can be added to make a house more appealing to potential buyers.

Front Porches and Patios

Both front porches and patios were among the most desired features for home buyers, according to a nationwide survey of recent and prospective home buyers by the National Association of Home Builders. Building front porches and patios provides valuable outdoor living spaces and can make a home and yard more visually appealing.

Adding a porch or patio can also add to the value of the home and make it appealing to buyers. Porches and patios can be customized with features and enhancements, such as being screened in or covered, having an outdoor kitchen, gazebos, or pergolas.

Energy Star Windows

Whether potential home buyers are eco-conscious or simply want to save money on their heating and cooling bills, energy-efficiency upgrades are also appealing to home buyers, which includes installing ENERGY STAR-certified windows. These are among the top features on buyers’ wish lists.

By replacing a home’s old windows with ENERGY STAR-certified windows, a household’s energy bills can be reduced by up to 13 percent on average. So, whether homeowners are considering selling their homes or not, this is a beneficial upgrade that can save them money over time.

Hardwood Floors

Another desirable feature for home buyers is hardwood flooring. Besides making a home more appealing to buyers and their appearance, hardwood floors also have more benefits, including:

Don’t collect dust and allergens like carpeting does
Durable and can last a lifetime when cared for
Low maintenance to clean
Return on investment

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions is a local family-owned and operated company serving the Austin area. They provide fast, quality service, flat-rate pricing, and financing. Call them for home remodeling services in Austin, TX.

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Understanding Heat Pumps for Heating and Cooling

Answering Common Questions About Heat Pumps

There are several ways to heat and cool a home, but one way to heat and cool efficiently is by installing a heat pump. With new advancements in heating and cooling technology, this system has emerged, providing comfort by both heating and cooling a home.

Many homeowners don’t know enough about them to consider them as options when it comes time for installation or replacement. Here is a quick guide answering questions about heat pumps, their benefits, and when they need repair.

What Is a Heat Pump?

With traditional central heating and cooling systems installed to keep a home comfortable, two systems are at play, typically air conditioners and furnaces. However, a heat pump can be used for both heating and cooling. A heat pump works similarly to an air conditioner, where heat is removed from the home. However, it can reverse the process. Instead of having to generate heat, a heat pump can heat a home by reversing the process and transferring heat from the outdoors and moving it indoors to heat the home.

Heat pump technology can be used in both ducted and ductless systems. A ducted heat pump can use the home’s existing ductwork, while a ductless mini split heat pump can heat and cool without ducts with multiple indoor units that create zones. This allows for personalized comfort and efficiency since each zone can be controlled independently.

Why Should Homeowners Consider Heat Pumps?

Heat pumps can be extremely beneficial. First, they are a more energy-efficient alternative for heating and cooling since they transfer heat from the outdoors rather than needing to generate it, which can lower utility bills and help people save money. They can also both heat and cool a home with one system rather than having to install separate heaters and air conditioners for year-round comfort.

Heat pumps are also a great choice for comfort. Due to their versatility, heat pumps can be used in a variety of spaces for heating and cooling since ductless mini splits don’t require air ducts. This makes them great options for homes or spaces that don’t have the room to install ductwork or that are detached.

When Should Homeowners Call for Heat Pump Repair?

Like any heating and cooling system, heat pumps will eventually need repair. Here are some signs that heat pump repair may be needed:

New, unusual noises
Long, constant heating or cooling cycles
Short cycling
High energy bills
Poor airflow or temperature issues
It won’t turn on

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions has more than four decades of experience serving the Austin area. They offer flat-rate pricing, financing, and fast friendly service. Call them for heat pump installation and repair services in Austin, TX.

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Use Local Handyman Services for Spring Cleaning Tasks

Start Spring Cleaning and Home Repairs

Spring is a busy season for homeowners. With the change in the weather, most homeowners feel the pressure to get some tasks done around the home to tidy things up after a long winter and prepare for the summer. Many people have a full checklist of tasks to be done around the home and very little time to complete them. Why not use some expert help to start ticking things off the spring cleaning checklist faster?

Handyman services are available to help with various tasks around the home. By hiring professionals, homeowners get the convenience of getting things done quickly with assurance that the people who help them will be experienced and do it right. Here are some examples of things that professional handymen can do for the home.

Gutter Cleaning and Power Washing

Gutters are vital to the overall performance and safety of the home. While they may seem like mundane accessories, gutters protect the home against foundation damage and wood rot along the rooflines. When gutters can’t drain quickly because of leaves and debris, water can back up and cause rot. Additionally, water can pool around the home and compromise the foundation. Instead of tip-toeing along a ladder, why not get professionals to clean the gutters? Handymen can clean gutters and haul away the debris quickly and safely.

In addition to gutter cleaning, exterior power washing is a common springtime task. Removing dirt and mildew around the home can brighten the appearance and help concrete and wooden structures last longer. Instead of purchasing or renting an expensive power washer, simply hire a handyman who already has one.

Wood Rot Repairs

The extra moisture that comes during the winter can waterlog exterior wood structures. This hastens wood rot and causes faster degrading of siding, decks, fences, and more. With the change in the weather, many homeowners will want to head outside to make repairs only to find that the problem is beyond their scope of experience.

By hiring a handyman service, homeowners can have wood rot repair completed right by an experienced professional. This allows the homeowner to focus on other items on the spring checklist or other things they need to while also stopping the damage to wood outside the house.

Deck and Fence Repairs

During the spring and summer, everyone will want to spend more time in outdoor spaces, enjoying decks, patios, and backyard areas. However, these spaces may look dated or rundown during a party or gathering without the right preparations. Additionally, it can be dangerous when decks and fences are broken.

Handymen can install and repair decks and fences, ensuring the deck is safe for use and that fences aren’t broken and keep pets inside the yard. By calling professionals for fence and deck repairs, homeowners can enjoy their time doing other things while having peace of mind that the repairs will be done correctly.

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions is a family-owned and operated company serving the Austin area. They offer personable and experienced staff, flat-rate pricing, and financing. Call them for handyman services in Austin, TX.

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Install a Deck or Patio for Outdoor Entertaining This Spring

Consider a Deck Installation to Enjoy Outdoor Spaces

Warmer weather is coming, and homeowners finally have an excuse to use their outdoor spaces more. When temperatures warm up, there is nothing better than having friends and family over to enjoy the yard. But, for the perfect atmosphere, homeowners need space for entertaining.

Decks and patios are the perfect options for homeowners looking to improve their outdoor spaces and prepare them for entertaining. Here is some information about installing decks and patios to help homeowners start thinking about entertaining in their outdoor spaces.

Designing or Improving Decks and Patios

Constructing the perfect outdoor space is a big project, but it all starts with the design process. A patio or deck installation is a great place to start, but they can be customized with different design options and enhancements to improve the space. Start by thinking of everything that needs to take place in the space. Will there need to be food prepared? Are bugs going to be a problem? Some enhancements and customizations that can be added to decks and patios include things like:

Adding a pergola creates a great structure for outdoor lighting
Adding a gazebo to the deck or patio creates shade from the sun and a cover from rain
Installing an outdoor kitchen is great for outdoor entertaining and barbeques
Installing a screened-in patio prevents bugs from getting in

Once homeowners have a better idea of what they want with their outdoor space, they can more easily consult with the experts to make their dreams a reality.

Choosing Materials for Decks and Outdoor Spaces

Once a design and vision are agreed upon, the homeowner has some decisions to make regarding building and decking materials. Outdoor spaces need to be stylish and durable while also fitting within a homeowner’s budget. Luckily, there are plenty of building materials to choose from. A few of the choices for durable materials used for decks and their pros and cons are:

Pressure-Treated Wood: Pressure-treated wood is one of the cheapest and most common choices for a deck. Pressure-treated wood is inexpensive but can last as long as 40 years with good upkeep. Cheap grades of pressure-treated lumber may be prone to shrinking, expanding, or twisting after installation.
Trex Decking: Trex is the latest industry standard for composite decking. It is made of recycled plastic and sawdust, making it the best choice for an eco-friendly deck. Trex is more expensive than lumber but can last just as long with less upkeep.
Cedar: Cedar is a great natural, sustainable choice. While it is more expensive than other options, it offers exceptional resistance to weather and wood-eating insects. Cedar will need resealing every few years to maximize its longevity and appearance.

Professionals can help homeowners decide on the best materials for their project based on factors like budget and the environment in which they are installed.

Hiring Professionals to Do the Work

Outdoor spaces are a significant investment for homeowners, and they can pay dividends in entertainment and resale value for the home. With this in mind, homeowners should always hire professionals to design and build outdoor spaces like patios, decks, and outdoor kitchens.

Using professional help can prevent homeowners from making mistakes or having regrets about things like layout and material choice. Professionals have the experience and knowledge to ensure everything is done correctly, the best materials are used, and the space is durable. This ensures that homeowners will have a long-lasting space that can be used for years to come.

About A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions

A-Plus Air Conditioning & Home Solutions is a family-owned and operated company that has been serving Austin and the surrounding areas for more than four decades. They provide flat-rate pricing and financing and are remodeling and handyman experts. Call them for deck installation and repair in Austin, TX.