Month: December 2012

What Is NATE Certification?

The acronym NATE stands for North American Technician Excellence. This is an independent, third-party nonprofit certification organization in Arlington, VA that began in 1997. NATE is owned, operated and governed by HVAC industry professionals. It provides professional certification testing for HVAC technicians to ensure that they have the necessary skills and qualifications to perform HVAC repairs, installations and maintenance.

Technician certification by NATE does not imply that you are working with a licensed contractor, although many licensed contractors do employ NATE Certified technicians. NATE does not certify contractors, only technicians. The best thing to do when you need air conditioning repair in Nacogdoches TX is to hire a licensed contractor who also employs NATE Certified technicians. That way, you are much more likely to get an air conditioning repair job that’s done properly.

NATE also provides HVAC training programs for technicians taught by industry experts. These classes focus on basic knowledge, specialized skills and new technologies in the HVAC field. When your AC repair is performed by a NATE Certified technician, you can be sure that you’re getting the best and most qualified HVAC service available.

Benefits Of Hiring NATE Certified Technicians

Longview TX contractors who don’t employ NATE Certified technicians are taking a risk. There is no way to know for certain whether the technician has the necessary skills and expertise to diagnose problems and perform air conditioning repair work properly. For that reason, most reputable HVAC companies do employ NATE Certified technicians.

Without the expertise of a NATE Certified technician, customers may have to call the HVAC company to get the job redone or spend additional money calling other HVAC companies. Not only is this inconvenient, it can even mean having to replace a cooling system if it isn’t fixed properly. When you hire a contractor who employs NATE Certified technicians, you get:

• Peace of mind
• Efficient and effective service
• Less likelihood that additional problems will occur after work is completed

NATE Certified Air Conditioning Repair

For prompt, honest, reliable and affordable air conditioning repair in Longview TX, call JD’s AC. We’ve built our business on long-term relationships with both residential and commercial clients. Our full-service company specializes in energy-efficient HVAC installations, and we’ve been serving East Texas for more than 30 years.

As a local, family-owned company, we’re licensed, bonded and insured for your protection. Our technicians are NATE Certified specialists who can repair all air conditioner makes and models. They possess not only the HVAC basics but receive ongoing training in all the latest heating and cooling technologies.

JD’s AC is a Factory Authorized Carrier Dealer. As such, we hold to the highest standards in the industry. Besides air conditioner repair, we also repair, install, replace and service all types of HVAC equipment.

Reduce Energy Consumption With Air Conditioning Replacement

An older, inefficient cooling system is an energy hog. Compared to the high-efficiency air conditioners of today, older systems can gobble twice as much energy to produce the same amount of cooled air. Replacing an aging AC system with an energy-efficient unit can dramatically reduce both your power bills and the amount of energy you consume.

Most people are surprised to learn how efficient today’s air conditioners are. A new system can be up to 60 percent more effective than a system of ten years ago. Over time, a new system could save you enough to offset its cost while helping to preserve natural resources.

If your cooling system is over ten years old or needs frequent repairs, it’s probably time to replace it. Another consideration is whether your air conditioner has been well-maintained. Lack of preventive maintenance can shorten your air conditioner’s lifespan considerably.

Programmable Thermostats: Using Only What You Need

You can save up to $150 per year with a programmable thermostat while helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With a programmable thermostat, you preset the air conditioning temperature to match your needs. It can be programmed to stay off when you’re not home and to turn itself on automatically when you return.

Programmable thermostats are usually more accurate than conventional thermostats, giving you a greater degree of control over energy usage. You can also program the thermostat to switch from cooling to ventilating. This is an energy-efficient option when the days are warm and the nights are cool.

Regular AC Maintenance Helps Keep Energy Usage In Check

Livingston TX air conditioners should receive preventive maintenance every year, preferably before the warm weather sets in. AC maintenance is the best way to keep your cooling system operating at peak efficiency. The more efficiently it operates, the less energy you’ll use and the lower your cooling costs will be. An AC system that’s maintained regularly will also last longer and cost you less in air conditioning repair bills. Your technician may be able to suggest ways to improve the efficiency of your cooling system and will correct any problems that could cause trouble down the road.

Learn about eco-friendly, high-efficiency air conditioning in White Oak TX and discover how you can help the environment while saving money on utility bills. JD’s AC is a Factory Authorized Carrier Dealer and a local, family-owned business; we’ve been helping East Texas homeowners to keep heating and cooling costs affordable for over 30 years. We specialize in the replacement and installation of energy-efficient heating and cooling products, and we also offer Energy Star Performance Evaluations to help you enjoy a greener and more efficient home.

How Can I Minimize AC Repair Costs?

There are several things you can do to keep your air conditioner healthy and to minimize repair bills:

• Clean or replace AC filters every month
• Schedule AC maintenance every spring
• If you notice any problems, call for service sooner rather than later

What Are The Symptoms Of AC Malfunction?

Cooling may become uneven. You might notice that some rooms are too warm while others are overly cool. Another sign of trouble is when the indoor air temperature is inconsistent with the thermostat setting. The air conditioner may frequently cycle on and off, or electric bills could increase. At some point, your air conditioner may develop leaks or begin to make odd noises. These are all signs of trouble. If you wait until your AC stops working altogether, it might not even be reparable, and you may have to replace the entire system.

What Causes Air Conditioner Breakdown?

AC systems are very much like automobiles in that they need regular maintenance to function properly. Most of us would never drive our cars for any length of time without oil changes, tuneups, tire rotations and other scheduled maintenance. Yet it’s easy to forget that air conditioners work harder than automobiles. During the spring, summer and fall, your cooling system can run 24/7 without a break. The constant wear and tear takes its toll, causing the system to operate less efficiently and to develop small problems that can quickly become major.

Prevent Costly AC Repair With Preventive Maintenance

Many calls for AC repair in Longview TX could be avoided if the cooling system had received proper maintenance and regular preventive care. However, many homeowners assume that if a cooling system is still running, it must be okay. Nothing could be further from the truth. Over time, a cooling system that’s not getting the care it needs will run less and less efficiently. Power bills increase because the system needs to work twice as hard to produce the same amount of cool air.

Although regular preventive AC maintenance might seem like an unnecessary expense, it pays off handsomely down the road. It’s cheaper in the long run to maintain your AC system than to be faced with a major AC repair bill or to have to replace your entire cooling system with a new one.

For thorough preventive maintenance and affordable AC repair in Longview TX, call JD’s AC. We’ve been keeping our East Texas neighbors cool and comfortable for over 30 years. Our comprehensive AC service agreement is designed to maximize AC performance and efficiency, save money on energy costs and prevent problems that cause AC malfunction and system breakdown.

We’ve been helping our residential and commercial clients to stay cool and comfortable for over 30 years, and we’ve built our local, family-owned business on strong relationships with our neighbors. Our goal is to provide reliable, friendly, courteous and cost-effective AC service whenever and wherever you need it.

Professional AC Repair Team

Our AC repair experts can fix all air conditioner makes and models. We arrive promptly in fully-stocked service vehicles, and we’ll get your air conditioner up and running. As a factory authorized Carrier dealer, our technicians receive ongoing training to stay on top of the game. If your cooling system can be fixed, we’ll get the job done right.

Professional AC Installation

Sometimes an air conditioning system is beyond repair. This can happen with older AC systems or when an air conditioner has not been properly maintained. Upgrading to an energy-efficient cooling system can deliver significant savings on monthly energy bills, up to 30 percent of your total cooling costs.

If you need emergency AC replacement, the team at JD’s AC can provide an onsite Energy Star home performance evaluation to determine which type of system would best meet your needs and fit your budget.

• State-of-the-art Carrier AC systems
• Minimal disruption in your home or business
• Fast and efficient installation
• Honest estimates
• Fair prices
• 100 percent satisfaction guarantee
• Residential and commercial

As a factory authorized Carrier dealer, we sell and install many types of cooling systems. Whether you want an air conditioner for a central heating and cooling system, a high-efficiency heat pump or a packaged unit, we have a wide variety of products to choose from. Right now, our customers can save up to $250.00 on select air conditioners.

The Importance Of AC Maintenance

Many of our customers are surprised to learn that they can minimize AC repair in Longview TX by having their cooling systems serviced regularly. Many of our repair calls, especially for emergency AC repair, could have been avoided had the system received preventive maintenance.

Your cooling system works overtime to keep the Longview TX heat at bay. Given the warm climate, your AC system may be operating for the most part of a year. You would never drive your car for that length of time without regular tuneups and scheduled maintenance. Think of your air conditioner the same way. The better the care you give it, the longer it will last, and the more efficiently it will run. Benefits of an AC service agreement include:

• Fewer air conditioning repairs
• Less possibility of AC breakdown
• Longer cooling system lifespan
• Lower monthly energy bills because your AC operates more efficiently
• Small problems get fixed before they can damage your equipment
• Air conditioner operates more effectively, increasing indoor comfort

Invest In An Energy-Efficient System

If your heater is getting on in age, upgrading to an energy-efficient system with a high SEER or AFUE rating can reduce monthly power bills up to 50 percent. Select energy-efficient systems from JD’s AC can also qualify you for federal tax credits and local utility rebates.

Not sure what kind of upgrade would work for you? We offer a complete line of state-of-the-art Carrier products and onsite Energy Star Evaluations to determine which type of system would save you the most money and best fit your budget.

Get Your Livingston TX Heater Serviced Regularly

Annual HVAC system maintenance is the best way to keep your heat pump or furnace functioning safely, effectively and efficiently. At JD’s AC, many of our repair calls are for HVAC systems that have not been properly maintained. Lack of regular maintenance can also lead to premature system breakdown and costly HVAC replacements and installations. Be sure to clean or replace furnace filters every month and get your air ducts inspected and sealed if you think they may have leaks.

Keep Your Thermostat At The Lowest Possible Setting

According to the Edison Electric Institute, “every degree over 68°F can add 3 percent to the amount of energy needed for heating.” This, in turn, raises your utility costs. If you keep your thermostat set at 75°F, the amount of energy usage increases by a whopping 21 percent. The California Energy Commission’s Consumer Energy Center advises that “for every degree you lower your heat in the 60-degree to 70-degree range, you’ll save up to 5 percent on heating costs.”

Always lower the thermostat setting to 55 degrees before going to bed and when you’re going to be away from home. Routinely done, this can save 5-20 percent on monthly energy bills. If your thermostat is not working properly, replacing it will help you to accurately regulate the amount of heat you use.

Humidify Indoor Air

Did you know that humidity makes indoor air feel warmer? Winter air is typically dryer than summer air. An efficient humidifier can reduce heating costs by helping you to feel more comfortable while using less heat. Steam from cooking and bathing can also increase indoor humidity, so minimize the use of exhaust fans during the winter.

Heat Only The Rooms You Use

If you have central heat, close the air vents in rooms you don’t use. Heat only the rooms you are using. If you’re considering a heater upgrade, heat pumps with indoor units allow you to precisely regulate temperatures in every room.

Other Ways To Save On Heating In Longview TX

• Seal cracks and drafts in doors and windows
• Keep the chimney damper closed
• Don’t use a fireplace to heat your home

Get The AC Repair Estimate In Writing

A written estimate on company letterhead carries more weight than a verbal estimate. It should include a complete description of the work to be done and the materials to be used. You might want more than one estimate, but remember that cheaper is not always better. Always ask if there is a charge for the estimate.

Is The Air Conditioning Repair Guaranteed?

Do the parts and labor come with a guarantee? If so, for how long? A more expensive estimate might be a better option if it has a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Review the warranty on your air conditioner beforehand to see if it covers any repair work and/or parts.

Ask About Hidden Costs Before Scheduling Service

Most companies that perform air conditioning repair in Longview TX charge a base price for a service call in addition to parts and labor. There may be additional charges for overtime or emergency service. Some air conditioning repair companies will not charge you for a service call if the repair is done immediately. If you want them to come back, you may be charged for another service call.

Does The Company Offer Discounts?

Many HVAC companies today offer specials, money-off deals and online coupons. Visit the company website to see if discounts on repairs or service calls are currently available. Also check to see whether the company takes credit card payments or offers financing options, with approved credit, if you are unable to pay the total cost of the repair after the work is completed.

Deal Only With Reputable Companies

If you have not done business with a Longview TX air conditioning company in the past, do a little research before calling them. Visit the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) to get a company’s rating. Make sure that the AC company is licensed and insured. Check the company website to see how long they’ve been in business, whether they are a factory authorized dealer and whether their technicians are NATE-certified.

JD’s AC is a licensed, bonded and insured family-owned East Texas HVAC company. We’re a Factory Authorized Carrier Dealer, and we’ve been performing prompt, honest and reliable air conditioning repair in Longview TX for over thirty years. Our NATE-Certified technicians are fully qualified to diagnose and repair all AC makes and models. We work evenings and weekends to better fit your schedule, and we’re available 24/7 for emergency service. If your AC system requires a repair that’s over $100.00, we currently offer an online coupon for a $25.00 discount.

The best time to replace a furnace in Longview TX is during the summer. That way, when the cooler weather kicks in, you’ll be good to go. HVAC dealers also have a larger selection of products during the summer, and sometimes they offer off-season discounts.

When To Consider Furnace Replacement

• Unit is over ten years old
• Energy costs are increasing
• System needs frequent repairs
• Heating is uneven or inconsistent
• You have an older system that hasn’t been maintained
• Heater is noisy or makes strange sounds
• You’re considering a home addition

If you’re not sure about replacement, call a Longview TX HVAC company for a system inspection. A technician can assess the condition of your unit, suggest options and make recommendations. Many HVAC companies offer Home Energy Star Evaluations to determine which type of heating installation would best suit your needs.

Which Type Of Furnace Is Best?

Heating units of today are more efficient than they were a few years ago. Energy Star systems are highly efficient because they generate the most heat using the least fuel. These systems also reduce air pollution from power plants and can improve indoor air quality.

How Much Money Can I Save?

According to the Department of Energy, an Energy Star furnace can reduce heating costs by up to half. If you purchase a unit that’s at least 95 percent efficient, you’ll be eligible for federal tax credits. There may also be money-saving incentives from the state, city and local utility companies. If you seal leaks in walls, attics and ducts or add insulation, you might need a smaller, less expensive system.

While shopping for a heating replacement, pay attention to the AFUE rating of the unit. The higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient your new system will be. AFUE rating stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency and it measures the percentage of heat you actually use out of total amount you pay for.

Older units may have an AFUE of 50 percent, meaning that only 50 percent of your heating costs actually produce heat. The units of today have AFUEs that go as high as 98 percent. This means that 98 percent of your heating costs are used to generate heat. Look for a system with an AFUE of at least 90 percent.

Investigate The Options

To learn more about energy-efficient furnaces in Crockett TX, call JD’s AC. As a local, Factory Authorized Carrier Dealer serving East Texas for more than 30 years, we specialize in Energy Star installations and perform Home Energy Star Evaluations. One of our NATE-Certified technicians can assess your heating system and help you reduce utility bills. Over time, an Energy Star system can save enough on heating costs to offset the price of your investment.

• Utility bills increasing every month
• System needs frequent repairs
• Heating or cooling equipment makes unusual noises
• Uneven heating or cooling
• System has not had regular maintenance
* Heating or cooling output doesn’t reflect the thermostat setting

If you’re considering an HVAC upgrade, you probably have questions about energy-efficient HVAC installations. ENERGY STAR HVAC installations with high SEER or AFUE ratings can save significantly on monthly utility bills. HVAC installations in Longview TX that include programmable thermostats can save even more money.

What Is A SEER Rating?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It’s a measure of the efficiency of your cooling equipment. It’s the amount of cool air your system delivers per dollar spent on power as compared to other systems. SEER ratings on cooling systems manufactured today go from 13 to 27; all systems are required by federal law to have a SEER rating of at least 13. The higher the SEER rating, the more money you’ll save because the more efficient your system will be. Replacing a 13 SEER with a 27 SEER will save you about 50 percent in energy costs.

What Is An AFUE Rating?

AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. It measures how much energy a furnace uses to heat your home and how much heat is lost via the flue pipe. Older furnaces average 50 percent efficiency; for every dollar spent, 50 cents pays for heated air that escapes through the flue pipe. Federal law mandates that furnaces now have an AFUE rating of at least 80 percent, but AFUE ratings can be as high as 96 percent. With a 96 percent rating, only four cents per dollar is wasted on heated air that escapes.

Consider A Programmable Thermostat

Save even more on HVAC installations by adding a programmable thermostat. With it, you can set different indoor air temperatures for different times of the day and different days of the week.

Which System Is Right For Me?

Many factors determine which HVAC installation will work best for you. JD’s AC provides Energy Star Home Performance Evaluations and HVAC installations in Longview TX. Our NATE-trained specialists can suggest a right-sized system that will save you money, keep you comfortable and fit your budget.

Protect Your HVAC Upgrade With Regular Preventive Maintenance

Your heating or cooling system upgrade will be a major investment. The best way to protect your Hallsville TX installation is with an ongoing HVAC service plan. Heating and cooling equipment works 24/7 to keep you comfortable, so it requires regular maintenance to perform optimally.

The ongoing starting, stopping and constant operation creates a lot of system wear and tear. Issues like rust, leaks, soot and rot can damage other system components if not treated promptly, With regular service, your new energy-efficient HVAC system will perform better, last longer, operate more efficiently, save you money and require fewer repairs.

Efficiency

Saving energy is important to almost everyone these days, especially homeowners. Utility costs have risen in the last couple of decades, and there is little reason to expect this trend to reverse. Fortunately, HVAC manufacturers have been busy developing equipment with conservation in mind. Replacing your old system is one of the most important things that you can do to get a handle on rising costs. SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is used to indicate the energy efficiency of your air conditioning in Longview TX. It is common to see efficiency ratings of 15 SEER for modern equipment; some high-end models can exceed 20 SEER. Replacing an old system can increase your energy efficiency twofold in many cases and make a sizable dent in those monthly bills. Dual-stage compressors, variable-speed fans, zoning and programmability are just some of the ways that new machinery accomplishes green goals.

Insulation

It is also important to look at the larger context of your entire home as well when trying to save energy. One of the easiest and cheapest methods to help you conserve your financial resources is by adding insulation. The majority of homes over 10 years of age are deficient in this regard. Insulation creates a barrier to heat transfer; if the barrier is inadequate, then you are wasting energy. Fiberglass insulation can easily be added to the average attic in Longview TX. Since this is the hottest location, having additional insulation installed there is a remarkably effective way of increasing efficiency. Combining a new high-efficiency air conditioning and heating system with additional insulation will drastically reduce your electricity consumption and lower utility costs.

Ventilation

Poor duct systems waste a lot of energy. If you have old ductwork, you could be losing more than 25 percent of your conditioned air to areas other than living space. That is why it is so important to have your ventilation system inspected if you are considering an HVAC installation. Leaky ductwork should be replaced as soon as possible. A new duct system makes a world of difference in terms of energy efficiency and comfort.

We have discussed some important green ideas to help you save energy and reap considerable savings. At JD’s AC, we are experts at providing you with quality installation of HVAC systems. Give us a call about your air conditioning in Longview TX, and we will be happy to schedule an in-home consultation to provide more information.

Repairing your heating and air system can be more attractive at first glance, because it often requires less out-of-pocket money. However, it is important to weigh all the facts before making a final decision. Consider discussing the age and condition of your system with our factory trained technician. A repair may be sufficient for a newer model of equipment, however, if you have an older unit, you may be better off replacing the unit now. The average lifespan of the typical heating and air equipment is roughly between 10 and 15 years. There is little point in paying expensive repair fees for a unit that you will have to replace within a year or two.

You may also want to consider the benefits of a new system for heating and air in Longview TX. First of all, a new system is going to be much more reliable than an older one. By replacing your system, you pretty much guarantee that you will not have to pay for repair costs any time soon. If something does happen to go wrong with the system, it will most likely be a defective part that will be covered by the factory warranty.

A new system will also be more effective at heating and cooling your home. It will increase the comfort of your home while decreasing energy cost. This is because new HVAC equipment must meet higher efficiency standards than units of the past generations. Even a piece of machinery that only meets the minimum standards is likely to save you money on your utility bills. If you can afford it, choosing one with a high-efficiency rating is a better choice as it can save you even more money.

Don’t let the cost of a needed upgrade get in the way of health and comfort. If you are interested in financing a new system, just give JD’s AC a call today at (903) 759-7483.