Cool Care Heating and Air Conditioning

The AC Compressor Debate: Repair or Replace?

August 16th, 2021

So… you have either been told, or you suspect, that your air conditioner’s compressor is failing, and it could or already has caused your air conditioner to have a breakdown. The next question is, should you pay to have your AC fixed, or should you replace the system?

Before we provide an answer, we need to explain the role of your compressor to your air conditioner.

You may have seen us say that your thermostat is the brain of your air conditioner. Well, the compressor is the heart. It’s what allows the refrigerant process, so that your air conditioner actually does the job it was designed to do. When the compressor fails, the whole AC system fails with it. Sure, the fans may still run, but you won’t feel any chilled air coming through the vents.

“Okay, So Should I Repair My System or Replace It?”

The short answer to this is “it depends.” Replacing your entire air conditioner is usually the best, most financially sound decision, but not in all cases. Read on to learn more!

Repairing Your Air Conditioner (By Replacing the Compressor)

When a compressor breaks down, the only way to “fix” your air conditioner is to replace that particular component. And this may seem like your best option. After all, it’s more affordable than buying a whole new air conditioner, right? In some cases, yes, it’s the best option.

Consider your system’s manufacturer’s warranty. If it’s still good, then replacing the compressor makes sense–because you’ll only need to pay for labor, not the actual compressor. The reason this is important to note is because the compressor is actually the most expensive component of your air conditioner, and replacing the compressor in an aging system that’s about to fail anyway may not make much sense, if you have to pay for the component yourself.

In most cases, a compressor doesn’t fail until the air conditioner is quite old. A well-maintained and properly cared for air conditioner can last approximately 10-15 years, but if your system has already reached this age and the compressor has failed, it might be a good idea to upgrade instead of replacing just the compressor. Putting a new compressor in an old air conditioner means that even though you’ll have this one new component, other parts of your air conditioner will soon start breaking down and you’ll need to replace the system anyway.

A Case for Replacing the Whole Air Conditioner

As we mentioned above, a failed compressor is most likely to happen in an older air conditioner that’s falling apart anyway. Today’s air conditioners are much more efficient, plus they use the more modern and eco-friendly refrigerant.

But upgrading your air conditioner, you’ll save money on monthly costs and help the environment out too! Plus, if you decide to upgrade your air conditioner, you can find out what your various options are. For instance, could a variable speed central air conditioner benefit you? The only way to find out is to talk to a pro today!

For professional service on your central air conditioning in Houston, TX, contact Cool Care Heating and Air Conditioning.

No, That Ice You See On Your AC Isn’t Normal, and Here’s Why!

August 2nd, 2021

Your air conditioner is getting quite the workout this summer, right? But what if you’ve discovered that something is not quite right with its performance? You go out to check on the outside unit and discover there’s a layer of ice developing on the unit. You might think this is normal–after all an air conditioner chills the air, so isn’t it natural to see ice? But unfortunately, this belief can do some harm to your system and to your comfort.

Fortunately, you have the team here at Cool Care to help! Please give us a call before grabbing something to scrape off or thaw the ice. Attempting to remove the ice on your own can do more harm than good to the system, plus it doesn’t get to the root of the problem to actually resolve it.

Read on as we explain further, and give us a call when you need professional AC help!

4 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair

July 19th, 2021

When summertime hits, homeowners and their families tend to spend a lot more time indoors, and your home comfort levels are going to be even more important than during other seasons. But staying at home will be a lot more difficult if your air conditioner stops working, right? This is why you want to ensure that you’re keeping your cooling system in the best possible shape it can be in.

Whether you’re using a traditional central air conditioner or you have a heat pump system, maintenance and repairs are services you want to make sure you’re on top of in order to keep your home as comfortable as possible, as affordably as possible. And while maintenance does make a huge difference, it won’t stop every potential ac repair need you’ll have. This is why it’s important that you be aware of the signs that your air conditioner could be in need. Here are 4 indicators!

Unique Ductless Needs to be Aware Of

July 5th, 2021

woman-on-couch-sitting-in-front-of-ductless-air-handler

When it comes to purchasing a new air conditioner for your Houston home, there are so many options to choose from that it can be overwhelming. You of course want to ensure it works well, and that it works efficiently, right? Plus, you want it to last as long as possible. This is why you need to work with a trusted pro right from the start, no matter what cooling system option you go with.

Ductless systems are no exception! Ductless systems operate using a single outdoor unit connected to up to 4 indoor air handlers, typically mounted on the wall above the doors or entryways to each room you want hem installed in.

Whether you already have one of these systems and think you may need repairs, or you’re considering a brand new ductless air conditioner, it’s a good idea to be aware of the unique needs it has. This system should be by a professional. Read on to learn more!

What Size Central AC Should You Have Installed?

June 21st, 2021

It’s that time of year again–summertime! If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to make sure your air conditioner is ready to handle the heat, through professional maintenance. Of course, your system may be past this point and need to be replaced, if it’s older. In this case, now is the perfect time to buy a new system–but this isn’t a purchase you want to rush into.

Too often, homeowners go out and just buy the biggest, most powerful air conditioner on the market. If you don’t have an experienced professional on your side, there might not be anyone trying to stop you, but unfortunately the average homeowner doesn’t know how to properly size an air conditioner! This might come as a surprise, but an oversized/overpowered air conditioner can be just as detrimental to your comfort and energy efficiency as one that is too small/underpowered. Read on to learn more!

How Not to Push Your AC Over Its Limits This Summer

June 7th, 2021

We’re looking at another scorching summer this year, with July and August days in the 90s. You can expect your air conditioning system to earn its keep and then some as it works through the days cooling your household to comfortable levels.

But we want to caution you about your air conditioning system’s limits. If your AC was professionally installed, it will be the right size to provide even cooling to the house through most days—but that doesn’t mean it’s invincible! In this post we’ll help you understand how to ease up enough on your air conditioning system that it will make it through the summer without overheating and breaking down.

Should You Choose a Heat Pump for Your AC Installation?

May 24th, 2021

After our surprise frigid spell this past winter, are you considering buying a new heater for next year? Whether you’re thinking about buying just a heater or if you were already also considering a new air conditioner as well, you’d do well to consider a heat pump system!

“Wait,” you might be wondering, “Are we talking about heaters or air conditioners?”

Well, both! You see, the thing is a heat pump is a year-round, 2-in-1 system that both heats and cools, and it does so very efficiently. They’re truly great systems that can keep your indoor climate at an ideal temperature all year round. Interested in learning more? Read on!

What Happens During AC Maintenance?

May 10th, 2021

If you’ve been following our blog for a while, then you probably have seen us mention maintenance quite a few times. This is because of how important HVAC maintenance is. Still today, a number of homeowners see this service as a “luxury” and only invest in it if they feel they can afford it. However, professional AC maintenance actually helps you save money. You can’t afford not to have it done!

Professional maintenance tune-ups help our professionals locate small issues with your air conditioner before those issues grow into bigger emergencies. Tune-ups also help your system operate more efficiently, and last longer. This is all great news for your budget, right? However, what actually happens during air conditioner maintenance? What does this service actually provide? Read on to find out!

These 3 Steps Will Prevent AC Repairs This Summer

April 26th, 2021

If you’ve followed our blog for a while, then you may have noticed that we talk about professional maintenance a lot. This is for good reason—it’s an important service for the functionality and efficiency of your air conditioner! Too often though, homeowners see this as a “luxury” service—an optional thing that people only get if they have extra money in their budget. However, maintenance can help protect your system and save you money in the long run.

Professional maintenance gives our technicians the opportunity to locate small problems with your cooling system before they grow into much bigger emergency repair needs, helping your cooling system perform better and last longer. This is great news for your budget, but what actually happens during maintenance?

Heed These End-Of-Season Furnace Care Needs

April 12th, 2021

Springtime is officially here. You know as well as we do that soon enough it will get oppressively hot. But if our winter weather was any indication, mother nature can surprise us. Whether we have an unexpected cold spell this spring or if you just want to make sure you have a fully functional heating system next fall when you need it on the regular again, now is the time to take care of any end-of-season furnace care needs.

If you had maintenance done on your heater this past fall, and if you took care of any pending repair needs at the time, then you’re probably in good shape and likely won’t have any severe furnace repair needs. It’s a good idea for you to be aware of any signs of a furnace in disrepair, so that you can rely on it now and in the future. Keep reading to learn these signs: