Frequently Asked Questions

Installation requires a license and a highly trained installation crew to ensure the unit is installed correctly and to check for potential issues that only an experienced technician knows to look for.

Yes, all air conditioning units need servicing. We recommend all units be serviced twice a year to ensure any possible issues are found early. For this reason, we have tiered maintenance plans.

The best way to keep cool without ac is by keeping the shades closed and running a fan. A fan does not make the room cooler, but it makes you feel cooler.

Air conditioning systems don’t have a reset button. If there are issues, you should have the unit inspected by a professional, and if any issues are found, they must be repaired.

Installation is a difficult process involving locating and creating all the ductwork required to move the air through the house. It is a process that should be left to a trained and skilled professional.

Maintenance costs vary, and different companies will have specifics on their plans. Our basic maintenance plan starts at 129.95 for a twice-a-year check and tune-up.

We recommend twice a year for residential split systems.

Yes, we can repair any air conditioning unit or system; however, after ten years, we recommend replacement as repairs can quickly become very expensive and potentially be more than the cost of a new unit.

Some of the biggest signs that your air conditioning needs repair are:

• No longer blowing cold air.
• High humidity in parts of the home.
• Unable to keep the home at the set temperature.
• Water is leaking from the unit, either inside or outside.

Most modern air conditioner brands are good as long as they are installed professionally.

We are a Bryant dealer by choice because we feel Bryant heating and cooling systems are the most reliable we’ve worked with over the years.

Depending on the ac installed currently, typically, HVAC units will last 10 – 15 years.

The largest manufacturer of air conditioners is the Carrier / Bryant brand.

Most air conditioners stop working due to failed parts. Many common parts wear out first, which our technicians will check for during regular maintenance. After ten years of regular use, many parts begin to wear out.

The cost of emergency AC repair varies by the severity of the repair. Typically, between the service call, parts, and labor, a minimum cost of $250 can be expected, while in some severe cases, a repair can cost over $1,000.

A few things can cause repeat hot surface igniter failure. One needs to be properly handling of the igniter during installation. The surface of the igniter should not be touched. Oils from the skin can cause premature failure. Also, a failing igniter should be upgraded to a silicone nitride igniter. This igniter is slightly more expensive but typically outlasts the appliance’s life.

A repair can be made in as quick as 15 minutes or take as long as 3 hours.

You should hear your a/c unit cycling on and off regularly. You should check your filters if you hear the system running non-stop and you do not have your fan programmed to run continuously. If they are clean, call for service.

You can run your air conditioner as long as you want. Turning the thermostat below 70 degrees is not recommended, as this can cause the evaporator coil to freeze.

American Standard is known to be a top-tier brand in the HVAC industry.

Yes, American Standard and Trane are subsidiaries of Ingersoll Rand and operate under the Trane brand name.

ABA Heating and Cooling have been servicing the greater Austin area for over 30 years. We are family owned and operated and strive to provide our customers with the best service possible for the best price possible.

The simple answer is yes. Regular maintenance services and tune-ups can extend the lifespan of your system, increase its working efficiency, and allow technicians to catch and address minor issues before they become major problems. This ultimately saves you money in the long run, not to mention time and stress.

At ABA Heating and Cooling, we recommend you schedule tune-up services twice a year – once before the summer months and once before winter begins. This can help you avoid unnecessary problems during the hottest and coldest months of the year.

If you have disposable filters, we recommend replacing them at least once a month. If you have washable, we recommend they are cleaned once a month. For media, filters only need to be replaced once every three months.

Selecting the right size heating, ventilation, or air conditioning system is important as it can improve your home’s energy efficiency, reduce costs for homeowners, and ensure that your home stays comfortable all year round. There is no one-size-fits-all rule for choosing the right size air conditioning and heating system; instead, a trained technician can look at various factors, including the size and construction of your home, and use this information to determine what size air conditioning and heating system you should have. At ABA Heating and Cooling, we provide free in-home energy analysis services to help you select the right system for your unique needs.

Wi-Fi and programmable thermostats have many benefits, the biggest being that they help conserve energy which in turn helps lower your electric bill. Programmable thermostats can also allow you to automatically set the ideal temperature for different seasons or times of the day; Wi-Fi thermostats also have this capability; however, because it’s connected to the internet, you have the convenience of being able to adjust it from your cell phone.

Most homeowners don’t think about the indoor air quality of their homes, but it is very important to your and your family members’ overall comfort and health. Regarding indoor air quality, it’s important to consider the following factors: ventilation, purification, humidity, and filtration. Our Comfort Specialists can help you assess your home’s indoor air quality and select the right purification or filtration system or humidifier/dehumidifier for your home.

Most homeowners need to think about the indoor air quality of their homes. Still, the best way to increase your home’s energy efficiency is to select an efficient air conditioning and heating system. When it comes to heating and air conditioning, bigger doesn’t always mean better. Larger systems with more capacity can lead to reduced efficiency as they tend to cycle more rapidly, turning on and off frequently while in use. Choosing the right size air conditioning and heating system for your home can improve its overall efficiency. Cleaning and replacing filters frequently can also lead to improved system functioning. Keeping the blower in the “on” position can also help your system heat and cool your home more efficiently, allowing for better filtration and constant air movement. Finally, installing a Wi-Fi or programmable thermostat can also increase energy efficiency because you can program the temperature settings by the time of day. Important to your and your family members’ overall comfort and health. Regarding indoor air quality, it’s important to consider the following factors: ventilation, purification, humidity, and filtration. Our Comfort Specialists can help you assess your home’s indoor air quality and select the right purification or filtration system or humidifier/dehumidifier for your home.

How can you tell if your air conditioning and heating system isn’t working properly? Check for strange noises, unusual smells, reduced efficiency, higher energy bills, or other unexplained issues with your home’s systems. Generally speaking, if your heating, air conditioning, or ventilation systems are not working properly, it’s wise to schedule service with a trained professional.

Many factors play a part in determining if you should have your A/C or heating system replaced, including how often it is used, the system’s overall efficiency, whether or not the system is meeting your personal comfort needs, and if repairs would be more costly than a full system replacement. Lifespans for A/C and heating systems vary, but most air conditioners last 12 years, as do most furnaces.

The SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) is how the efficiency of your heating and cooling equipment is measured. The SEER is the amount of cooling your system will deliver per dollar spent on electricity compared to other systems. For example, a 3-ton unit may have a SEER efficiency rating of 13, 14, or 15. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the system will be. The SEER rating of any given unit can range anywhere from 13 to 21.

Pouring a cup of bleach in the access opening near the AC unit’s drain line will help kill any algae, mold, or mildew that has formed in the pipe. If the condensation line is clogged, you will likely need to call a trained professional.

R-22 is a refrigerant often used in air conditioners and heat pumps. Because R-22 depletes the ozone layer, production, and import was significantly reduced in 2010. Since 2015, there has been almost a complete ban on the production of R-22. The price of R-22 refrigerant is skyrocketing as we speak. It has already doubled since last year and is expected to triple in the next few years, and the supply of R-22 refrigerant is already limited. As the phase-out continues and prices rise, you can expect availability to fall. If you have an existing R-22 heat pump or air conditioning system, you do not have to rush out immediately and buy a new R-410A system. You can continue using it, but you should maintain your unit properly. Regular servicing minimizes potential environmental damage and higher maintenance costs due to mechanical breakdowns or refrigerant leaks. But for our customers with R-22 systems over ten years old, consider replacing them now rather than later.

Variable speed equipment utilizes the fan ON mode very well. This method constantly circulates the air, keeping temperatures even, and takes advantage of air purifying equipment.

Learn more about these thermostat settings that can help you save money.

Keeping filters clean in furnaces and keeping foliage away from condensers at least 12 feet are the best things you can do to keep your equipment running smoothly. Call ABA Heating and Cooling for annual tune-ups and safety inspections to ensure your equipment has a longer life. We will perform maintenance and troubleshoot other problems too.