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Are Central AC Or Ductless Cooling Systems Better For Homes?

What Is the Difference Between Central AC and Ductless Cooling Systems?

It’s no secret that Texas summers are extremely hot and humid. To keep homes comfortable, homeowners should schedule an air conditioning installation to get a fully functional system. Two popular options are central AC units and ductless systems.

How do these systems work, and what are their benefits? Denton, TX AC contractors explain how these units operate.

Benefits of Central AC Systems

Many Denton, TX homeowners opt for central AC systems. These units evenly and accurately cool homes by sending cooled air through a home’s ductwork.

These units provide numerous benefits to households, including reducing homeowners’ energy bills and increasing indoor air quality. New central AC systems are more energy efficient than older systems, resulting in lower utility bills. These units can also accurately remove particles from the air – including contaminants like allergens, dust, debris, and other items.

Homeowners can also better control the indoor climate in their houses by installing a central AC system, which allows them to easily alter the temperature in their homes. Installing a central AC system also helps homeowners increase the value of their houses and attract new homebuyers.

How Ductless Mini-Split Systems Cool Homes

Another option to cool Denton homes is a ductless mini-split system. Unlike central AC systems, these ductless AC units do not use ductwork to carry cooled air throughout a house. Because of this, ductless mini-split systems are best for homes without ductwork or in new additions in homes not connected to the air ducts.

Ductless mini-split systems offer many benefits to households, including easy installation and energy-efficient operation. Because ductless mini-split air conditioner units do not use ductwork, they are easier to install than central air conditioning systems. These units also operate more energy efficiently because the air does not escape through cracks in ductwork, and homeowners can only cool areas of the home that they use. This results in lower energy bills.

Other AC Systems: Window, Portable, Split AC Units

In addition to central AC and ductless systems, homeowners can opt for other air conditioners. Some options are window AC units, portable air conditioners, and split air conditioners.

Window air conditioners can conveniently be installed in windows. These are ideal for cooling certain rooms in a house but cannot adequately cool an entire home.

Portable air conditioners can easily be moved to different rooms in a house. However, while portable AC units can keep specific rooms or areas cool, they cannot cool an entire home.

Split air conditioners are another common type. Unlike ductless mini-split AC systems, they use ducts to cool homes accurately and efficiently.

About AMC Services, Inc.

AMC Services, Inc. has over 20 years of experience serving Denton and the surrounding areas. They offer flat rate pricing, 24/7 emergency service, and same-day services. Call them today for air conditioning services in Denton, TX.

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Heat Pumps: How They Work

Basics About Heat Pumps

Keeping their house comfortable all year can take a toll on homeowners as they encounter large energy bills. Running the air conditioner to overcome the suffocating Texas heat and humidity is expensive; it can cause utility bills to rise in the summer when heaters are used to combat frigid temperatures.

Property owners need a more energy-efficient solution to heat and cool their homes – like a heat pump. These efficient systems can accurately keep homes comfortable all year. Denton, TX technicians explain how these units work, the benefits they provide to homes, and signs homeowners should watch for that indicate they need repairs.

How Heat Pumps Warm & Cool Homes

Heat pumps use a unique method to heat and cool homes throughout the year – and do it energy efficiently. In the summer, heat pumps cool homes by transferring heat from inside and outside. Then, in winter, they take heat from the ground or air outside and transfer it into the house to provide more comfort. Heating and cooling the house this way is more energy-efficient than using a forced-air AC or furnace.

Advantages of Installing a Heat Pump System

When homeowners install a heat pump instead of a forced-air AC system or heater, they experience numerous benefits. While the top advantage many homeowners experience after a heat pump installation is more savings on their energy bill, they also offer other benefits to households.

For example, these units operate more energy efficiently than traditional air conditioners or heaters. They can also heat and cool homes with just one system, eliminating the need to buy two separate units. Heat pumps also operate more quietly than forced-air HVAC systems, providing even heating and cooling throughout the house. They can also last longer than air conditioners or furnaces.

Symptoms Heat Pump Repairs Are Needed

To keep their houses comfortable all year, homeowners must watch for signs that their heat pump is malfunctioning. It can prevent the house from reaching the ideal temperature if it encounters an issue. Denton, TX, heating and cooling contractors recommend watching for critical symptoms indicating the heat pump needs to be repaired, including if it stops producing warm or cool air. If the house fails to reach the thermostat’s temperature setting, it can be an obvious sign that the system needs to be serviced.

Homeowners should also pay attention to strange sounds coming from the unit (including rattling, squealing, banging, or grinding) and foul odors. They should also watch for if the system turns on and off quickly, if ice is building up on the coils if moisture is leaking from the system, and if the property’s utility bills have been higher than usual. When property owners experience these symptoms, they should schedule heat pump repairs or replacements with a trusted technician as soon as possible.

About AMC Services, Inc.

AMC Services, Inc. provides quality HVAC services to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. They offer 24-hour emergency services and flat-rate pricing for air conditioning, heater, and indoor air quality services. Call them today for heat pump services in Denton, TX.

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Get Rid of Spring Allergies By Using Your HVAC System

Eliminate Allergens From Your House This Spring

While spring can bring some of the best weather of the year, it can also result in major spring allergies in Denton, TX homes. If family members sneeze or cough more than usual, it can indicate allergens inside the house.

Denton, TX heating and cooling contractors offer simple ways for homeowners to reduce the amount of allergens in their houses this spring. Some easy ways to do this are by replacing air filters on time, adding a whole-house air filtration system, and booking professional HVAC maintenance services with an expert.

Replace Air Filters As Directed

HVAC contractors recommend changing air filters, typically every 1 to 3 months. This is a simple task yet very important. Replacing AC or furnace filters as directed allows filters to remove allergens, pollutants, and other contaminants from the air.

While performing air filter replacements regularly improves indoor air quality by removing allergens and pollutants from the air in the house, it also provides other benefits. Regularly changing the air filters helps extend the lifespan of an HVAC system by allowing it to run more efficiently and reducing the wear and tear on the unit. This will lower a household’s energy bills.

Install an Air Filtration System

Installing a whole-house air filtration system is one of the best ways to improve allergy symptoms. This system connects to the home’s heating or cooling system and filters out allergens and other contaminants from the air throughout the entire house.

Some of the top advantages these units provide are:

Reduced allergy symptoms and asthma flare-ups
Improved indoor air quality throughout the house
Elimination of airborne bacteria and viruses through HEPA filters
Decreased odors throughout a home
Reduced dust throughout the house and less cleaning

Schedule Routine Maintenance With an Expert

In addition to making changes around the house to reduce spring allergy symptoms, homeowners should also schedule professional HVAC maintenance services. Heating contractors can eliminate allergens and other contaminants from a house by cleaning the system to remove dust and debris from the unit. Fewer allergens will be carried throughout the air in the house, affecting household members.

During yearly air conditioning maintenance, contractors will perform numerous tasks, including inspecting the air ducts to clean the ductwork and seal cracks or leaks. Technicians will also clean the coils during these services, removing mold, mildew, and bacteria from systems.

Using these easy tips, homeowners can effectively remove allergens from their homes and improve indoor air quality. Changing the air filters, installing an air filtration system, and scheduling heating maintenance can keep households healthy all spring.

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Schedule Heater Repairs When You Notice These Signs

When To Book Heater Repairs

Before a heating system completely fails, homeowners should recognize signs that their heater needs repairs. This will help households avoid a frigid house over the winter months.

Property owners can watch for many signs that signal they need heating repairs. Denton, TX heating contractors explain some of the top symptoms to watch for, including higher energy bills than usual, odd sounds or odors, and inconsistent heat in their house.

Higher Than Usual Energy Bills

When homeowners notice their utility bills rising without a change in usage, it can indicate they need heater repairs to correct the loss of efficiency.

When a heating system malfunctions, it can operate inefficiently, raising energy bills. Numerous heater problems can lead to higher-than-usual utility bills. Common issues include leaking air ducts, clogged or dirty air filters, broken parts or equipment, and heat exchanger issues.

Homeowners should also look for signs of poor insulation, a lack of heating maintenance, or a broken thermostat in their houses. When these issues occur, property owners should schedule services with a heating contractor to inspect and repair their systems.

Sudden New Sounds or Smells

While heaters can make numerous sounds or emit several odors, if homeowners suddenly hear new noises or notice new smells, it can signal a problem.

Property owners should inform heating service companies of the type of sounds they hear when scheduling repairs. This can help them determine the cause of the problem. Some common sounds technicians often inspect are:

Rattling, banging, or clanging: This can indicate a damaged or loose component
Screeching or squealing: This can mean a problem with the fan or blower motor
Clicking: This can signal a problem with the gas valve or ignition
Buzzing: This can indicate an issue with the electrical system

Homeowners should also explain the odors they notice in their house or from their heating system. Some common smells are musty or moldy odors, burning dust (especially when the heater is first turned on for the system), or burning plastic. If property owners notice odors similar to rotten eggs or gas, they should immediately evacuate the house as it can indicate a gas leak.

A Lack of Heat

One of the most noticeable signs of a malfunctioning heater can be if the house is not properly heating. Whether homeowners notice a complete lack of heat, intermittent heating, or uneven heating, it can indicate the heater is not working correctly.

If no warm air is coming from the system – or even cool air is coming through the vents – it can signal a problem with the thermostat, heat exchanger, or ignition system. If there is uneven heating throughout the house, leaving some rooms colder than others, it can indicate an issue with the blower motor, ductwork, or even dirty air filters.

When homeowners notice issues with their heater, they should schedule repairs with a top heater contractor. They can repair the system to get it back up and running quickly.

About AMC Services, Inc.

AMC Services, Inc. has over 20 years of experience serving Denton and the surrounding areas. They offer flat rate pricing, 24/7 emergency services, and same-day services. Call them today for heater repairs in Denton, TX.

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Advantages of Heating and Cooling With Ductless Mini Splits

What Are Ductless Mini Split Systems?

When Texas homeowners look for ways to keep their homes comfortable all year, they might immediately consider buying an air conditioner or a furnace. However, other options exist – including ductless mini-split heating and cooling systems.

Denton, TX HVAC technicians offer tips to homeowners on how ductless mini split systems work, including how they reduce energy bills, how their installation process is easier, and how they can heat and cool certain zones of a house.

Reduce Utility Bills

When homeowners consider installing a ductless mini split AC system, one of the top reasons to add it to their home is its energy efficiency. These HVAC systems use less energy by:

Not using ductwork. Homeowners will not lose heated or cooled air through potential leaks by not relying on air ducts to transport air.
Letting property owners control the temperature in their house through systems in separate zones and only heating or cooling rooms used.
Using variable-speed compressors to adjust the speed based on how much the temperature needs to be adjusted in a home.

Simpler Installation Process

When choosing between a forced-air system or a ductless mini-split system, many homeowners opt for it because it is easier to install.

Because these systems do not require ductwork, they can be faster and easier – and cheaper – to install than forced-air systems. A new central cooling or heating system can require new ductwork, adding to the installation process and work. This makes ductless heating systems ideal for older homes or additions that do not have ductwork.

The ductless mini split heat pumps are also smaller, allowing for more flexibility in adding these units to a house. They can be mounted on walls and ceilings.

Flexibility with Zoning Options

Ductless mini split air conditioner systems also let homeowners cool only the used areas of their house. If spaces in the house are not used often, property owners do not have to waste money heating or cooling rooms that are not being used.

Instead, with ductless units, homeowners can install systems in areas of the house that are commonly occupied and set specific temperatures in each area instead of one temperature for the entire house.

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Prevent Dry Air in Your House This Winter With a Whole-Home Humidifier

Add Moisture To Your House With a Humidifier

When chilly temperatures in the winter months replace hot and humid weather, it can leave Texas homes with dry air. While this might initially seem like a nice break from the humidity, it can start to cause health symptoms and other effects for family members.

Dry air can cause respiratory issues and dry skin and even prevent indoor plants from flourishing. Fortunately, homeowners can avoid these issues by installing a humidifier. Denton, TX HVAC contractors explain whole-house humidifier benefits for households.

Avoid Enhanced Allergy, Asthma Symptoms

One of the biggest concerns over dry air in winter is increased allergy and asthma symptoms for family members. The dry air can cause nasal and sinus irritation, coughing, and dry throats.

Whole house humidifier installations can reduce these symptoms:

They add moisture to the air to decrease respiratory issues and reduce coughing
They prevent sinus problems and nasal passage irritation
They help lessen cold and flu symptoms
They eliminate the spread of infectious diseases
They improve sleep conditions – especially for those who suffer from sleep apnea

Homeowners should call a professional if they notice enhanced respiratory issues. HVAC technicians can check the air quality to determine if it’s too dry, and a humidifier should be installed.

Prevent Skin Issues

Dry air in a house can take a toll on household members’ skin. Family members might notice their skin is drier than usual or flaky. They might also notice cracks in their fingers, chapped lips, or increased symptoms of eczema or psoriasis.

Installing a humidifier can help decrease these issues. Adding more moisture to the air makes skin less dry, skin conditions decrease, and a person’s skin might even look younger.

Improve Indoor Plant Health

Other benefits of a humidifier are improved health for indoor plants. The added moisture helps plants grow and even prevents diseases.

If the air in a house gets too dry, it can cause plants to wilt, shed leaves, and even suffer from pest infestations. However, adding moisture to the air through a humidifier can reverse these conditions. This system can allow plants to grow, flourish, and live longer.

Humidifiers also give homeowners more options when selecting plants. A more humid environment allows households to add more tropical plants to their homes.

If homeowners notice their indoor plants are starting to brown or wilt, coupled with health symptoms, they should consult an HVAC technician to determine if their air is excessively dry and if a humidifier is needed.

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Top 3 Reasons To Be Thankful For HVAC Technicians

Why You Should Give Thanks To HVAC Contractors

Thanksgiving allows individuals time to reflect on what they should be thankful for this year. While some people, like family and friends, deserve to be at the top of the list, there are other important people to show appreciation for this season, including HVAC contractors.

Heating contractors keep HVAC systems running to keep Denton, TX homes comfortable and safe all year. This protects households from illnesses and other threats. Local HVAC technicians explain how contractors keep heating and air conditioning systems working all year, and how they keep a home’s indoor air quality healthy.

Keep Heaters Running

When frigid air makes its way through Denton, TX in the winter months, homeowners need a heater or furnace to keep their house warm and prevent their household from getting sick. HVAC technicians keep heating systems running by performing routine maintenance and prompt heater repairs.

During an annual tune-up, heating contractors perform a complete inspection of the system to look for defects that can lead to larger problems later. This includes faulty components, dirty air filters, ductwork leaks, sensor issues, and more. These services keep units operating correctly and efficiently, helping homeowners reduce their utility bills.

Technicians also respond quickly to service calls, getting malfunctioning heaters up and running quickly to restore home comfort. Without these experts, households would be stuck with malfunctioning systems and could be left in the cold.

Keep Air Conditioners Working

Summer heat and humidity can be dangerous if households do not have a fully functioning air conditioner to keep their house safe and cool. Homeowners rely on AC contractors to keep their units operating correctly through regular and timely air conditioner services and AC repairs.

AC technicians perform annual tune-ups on cooling systems to identify potential problems early and repair them before they become major issues later. They also clean the components in the system, check the air filter, and do other routine tasks during routine air conditioning services.

Contractors repair air conditioners quickly and accurately when they break down to keep households safe. This protects family members from heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.

Keep Indoor Air Quality High

By keeping air conditioners and heaters running properly, technicians protect the indoor air quality in homes. Functioning HVAC systems remove particles from the air, keeping households safe and healthy. This is especially important for family members who suffer from respiratory issues like asthma or have severe allergies. Removing dander, allergens, and other contaminants will increase indoor air quality in homes.

If homes have excess humidity or ventilation issues – causing hot, stuffy houses – they can schedule indoor air quality services with an expert. These services will prevent mold and mildew from forming, making the air healthier and cleaner.

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Expert Tips To Avoid a Scary Overheating Furnace This Halloween

Overheating Furnaces: What Homeowners Need to Know

There are a lot of events homeowners might expect around Halloween. Scary movies on TV, Trick or Treaters in creepy costumes, the temptation to eat fun-size candy bars from their kids’ treat bags, and maybe even a bonfire or a haunted house. One situation they are likely not prepared for is an overheating furnace.

If this happens, it can lead to scary household risks, including furnace fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Fortunately, homeowners can avoid these problems by using tips from furnace contractors – including knowing the symptoms of an overheating furnace, and steps they can take to prevent their system from overheating.

Risks of an Overheating Furnace

An overheating furnace can cause numerous risks for households. One of the most common problems they might encounter is a fire. If the furnace overheats, the components in the furnace are at risk of starting on fire. Other issues it can cause are damaged components that need to be replaced and a system working too hard – causing energy bills to increase.

If a furnace overheats, it can reduce the unit’s lifespan, forcing homeowners to replace the system sooner than expected.

Perhaps the scariest issue households can experience is a carbon monoxide leak. An overheating furnace can damage the heat exchanger. If a crack develops, it can cause a leak. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly, and what makes it even scarier, it can be odorless and colorless, so households might not be aware of the leak until it’s too late.

Scheduling routine furnace tune-ups can help homeowners prevent overheating, as the problems that cause it to overheat can be detected and repaired during an inspection.

Is Your Furnace Overheating? Symptoms to Watch For

Experts recommend that homeowners know the signs to watch for that indicate their furnace is overheating. It’s crucial to catch these problems quickly, as scheduling repairs as soon as possible is essential to avoiding major threats.

If homeowners smell a burning odor or notice hotter air than usual coming through the vents, it can be a warning sign that their furnace might be overheating.

Other symptoms to watch include if their system is frequently turning on and off, if their circuit breakers are tripping if they hear strange noises from the unit, and if they see signs of burnt wires or burn marks in the system. Increasing utility bills can also indicate the furnace is overheating.

These furnace overheating symptoms can also signal other issues with a furnace, so it’s essential to have a furnace technician inspect it and properly diagnose and repair the problem.

Tips to Avoid an Overheating Furnace

While an overheating furnace can cause scary situations for a household, these can be avoided. One of the best recommendations furnace contractors have for homeowners is to schedule annual routine furnace maintenance services on the system.

In addition to this, property owners should ensure their unit is clean by removing dust and other debris from the motor and the blades, and schedule air filter replacement services every 1 to 3 months.

Homeowners should also check the ductwork to look for leaks or other defects and consider installing a new, programmable thermostat to better control when the furnace runs. Households should also consider replacing their furnace if it is old and showing signs of wear and tear.

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Expert Tips on When to Replace Your Thermostat

Signs You Need to Replace the Thermostat

When homeowners think about ensuring their air conditioner is working correctly, they often focus on the AC components like the compressor, air handler, coils, and other items. However, it’s also important to ensure the thermostat is working properly.

Suppose a thermostat is malfunctioning and needs to be replaced. In that case, it can prevent the air conditioner from properly cooling a house, reduce the AC unit’s lifespan, and cause utility bills to increase.

To avoid these problems, AC contractors tell Denton, TX homeowners what broken thermostat symptoms to watch for that can indicate they need thermostat replacement services. These include higher utility bills, incorrect temperature readings, and short cycling.

Higher Energy Bills

One negative impact a broken thermostat can have on households is high energy bills. When a thermostat stops working correctly, it can cause the air conditioner to run when it’s not supposed to – forcing the AC unit to work harder than usual to cool the house or run continuously, wasting energy.

A thermostat communicates to the air conditioner when it needs to turn on and off based on the temperature in the house and the programmed settings. If the thermostat is not working correctly, it can fail to properly signal the AC. This can cause the air conditioner to fail to turn on when the house gets too warm or not turn off when it’s properly cooled.

It can also interfere with smart thermostats. If these wifi-connected devices are programmed, a malfunctioning thermostat can prevent it from following the correct settings and cause it to run when it’s not supposed to.

Incorrect Temperature Readings

Another sign that a thermostat needs to be replaced is if it displays the incorrect temperature.

If the thermostat reading seems different from the actual temperature in the house, it can signal the thermostat is not working correctly. Homeowners should also watch the thermostat while the air conditioner is running. If the temperature doesn’t change, it can indicate a problem.

Property owners should also call an AC contractor to inspect their thermostat if the buttons or screen on the device stop working correctly and if the system starts to short cycle.

Short Cycling

If households start to notice their air conditioner turns on and then off again quickly, without properly cooling the house, it can indicate the system is short cycling. A malfunctioning thermostat can cause this issue.

If the thermostat’s sensors are not accurately detecting the temperature in a house, it cannot correctly alert the AC unit on when to turn on and off. Short cycling can also indicate a wiring issue with the thermostat that prevents it from properly communicating with the AC unit or that the device is dirty and needs cleaning.

If short cycling occurs, homeowners should call a professional to inspect the thermostat and air conditioner. A technician can accurately determine the cause and replace the thermostat if needed.

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Differences Between Central AC and Ductless Cooling Systems

Central AC vs. Ductless Mini Split Systems: What to Know

It’s no secret that summertime in Texas can be grueling. A reliable cooling system is the only option for homeowners to keep their houses cool and comfortable during the heat. Regarding air conditioning, most properties have either a central AC system or a ductless mini-split cooling system. To determine which unit is best for their home, homeowners should consider the benefits and compare each system and other cooling methods.

Central Air Conditioning

A central air conditioning system is an excellent way for homeowners to cool their houses in the summer. These systems can cool the entire house adequately, using air ducts to distribute the air evenly throughout the home, keeping the family comfortable all summer.

Some things to note about central AC units are:

It provides even cooling throughout the home and comfort in each room.
Filters trap particles in the air to effectively remove dust, allergens, and pollutants to improve indoor air quality.
Increased energy efficiency compared to individual units like window ACs or portable ACs, but typically less energy efficient than ductless mini splits.

Ductless Mini Splits

Ductless mini-split systems offer flexibility to owners of older homes that might not have existing ductwork. These units don’t need air ducts to deliver cool air, making them a convenient option for many households.

These ductless mini split air conditioners provide many benefits, including:

Flexibility to be installed in homes and buildings without existing ductwork
Allows homeowners to set different temperature settings in separate rooms or areas of the house
Increased energy efficiency over other systems as they don’t lose energy in the ductwork, and temperatures can be adjusted in rooms families are not using.
They are often easier to install since they don’t require air ducts.

Other AC System Options

In addition to central AC and ductless systems, there are other options for cooling homes. Some of these air conditioning units are:

Window AC Units: These systems are great for cooling rooms or particular areas of a house. However, they are not for cooling the entire home and can be noisy.
Portable Air Conditioners: These units can be easily moved from one room to another to provide comfort, but they also cannot cool an entire house.

Additionally, these air conditioners are less energy efficient than central AC and mini splits and can cost more to run. These smaller air conditioning options that cool small spaces are better for cooling areas like garages or sheds that aren’t connected to the home’s air conditioning system but need cooling.