Air Conditioning

Upgrade and Save on Your Air Conditioner

How long have you owned your air conditioning unit? If you bought it more than 10 years ago, consider an upgrade. HVAC technology has become much more efficient since you bought your last air conditioner. Upgrading to a new model could cut your energy costs by up to 40 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

How Do Air Conditioners Work?

Your air conditioner does not add cold air to your home—it removes heat. In simple terms, the equipment harvests warmth and humidity from the air and sends it outside. From there, fans blow the leftover chilled air through your ductwork and into your living space.

Your air conditioning unit has four main components:

• Evaporator coil
• Compressor
• Expansion valve
• Condenser

Your air conditioner uses a chemical called refrigerant to absorb heat. You may be familiar with Freon^(TM), the most common name brand of refrigerants.

Here’s how the cooling cycle works:

1. The evaporator coil extracts heat from inside your home. The refrigerant soaks up the heat.
2. The compressor puts pressure on the refrigerant.
3. The condenser releases the heat outdoors.
4. The expansion valve regulates the refrigerant’s flow back to the evaporator.

Air Conditioner Installation and Replacement

Should you get a new air conditioner or keep the old one? As a homeowner, you’ll have to answer that question at some point—and it’s not always an easy decision. On average, cooling units last 10 to 15 years with good maintenance.

Besides age, here are some signs it’s time to get a new AC:

• High energy or repair costs
• High humidity levels
• Insufficient cooling

Like an old car that you have to keep taking to the shop, an air conditioner that frequently breaks down is likely ready for retirement. Repair costs add up quickly. At some point, it may be more cost-effective to upgrade.

Our team at Smart Air will work closely with you to find a cooling solution that fits your home and budget. With the finest equipment and a team of qualified HVAC experts, we’re ready to deliver a product that exceeds your expectations.

Be sure to ask about our flexible financing solutions designed to meet your specific needs. Purchase the HVAC system your family deserves today.

What Is a Good SEER Rating?

The term SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. It measures how much energy your air conditioning system uses to operate. The higher the SEER number, the more efficiently your air conditioner will run.

How Much Money Can a New Air Conditioner Save You?

Our SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2) energy savings calculator can help determine how much you could save on your utility bills. Simply enter your current unit’s SEER value and compare it to a newer, more efficient SEER2 unit. You can even customize it to better match your home’s system for a more accurate calculation.

Air Conditioner Repairs

A comfortable home is a perfect antidote to the hot summers we experience in Texas. That’s why air conditioning problems can place a major burden on your household.

Here are some signs your cooling equipment needs repair:

• The system short-cycles or won’t turn on
• Layers of frost (freeze-ups)
• Odd noises or smells

Don’t delay if you think there’s a problem with your system. Call Smart Air today and schedule an appointment. You can expect a prompt response.

Our specialists have years of experience and regularly train on new equipment—we’re problem-solving experts. Additionally, all of our repairs come with accurate quotes and excellent warranties.

Air conditioners always tend to break on the hottest days, whether it is the weekend or a holiday. At Smart Air, we offer 24/7 emergency repair services to be there when you need us, year-round.

Air Conditioner Maintenance

Every spring, remember to schedule a check-up for your air conditioner. That way, your cooling equipment can run at peak performance all summer. Check the owner’s manual—it likely requires regular maintenance to keep the warranty valid on your air conditioning equipment.

Here are just a few of the vital maintenance tasks a technician needs to perform on your AC:

• Inspect for and replace broken parts
• Measure refrigerant levels for leakage
• Clean evaporator coils, fins, and condensate drain

Maintenance has many benefits. It keeps your air conditioner clean and fully operational. It also gives our HVAC specialists a chance to fix minor malfunctions before they become major issues—like an expensive part replacement.

Call today to schedule your check-up. Additionally, check out our A+ Maintenance Plan designed for your needs. Our maintenance agreements provide appointment reminders, discounts, priority service, and more.

What Types of Air Conditioning Systems Do You Recommend?

Smart Air repairs and maintains all types of air conditioning systems, but we like to install brands we trust. They include American Standard, Carrier, and Mitsubishi. 

American Standard

Built for the relentless Central Texas heat, American Standard air conditioners are legendary for their "Spine Fin" outdoor coils, which resist corrosion and shed heat more effectively than standard designs. These systems are the workhorses of the industry, prioritizing heavy-duty durability and simple, reliable cooling. If you’re looking for a "tank" of an AC that can survive decade after decade of 100°F days, American Standard is often the top recommendation for Austin area homes.

Carrier

Carrier represents the cutting edge of HVAC intelligence, particularly with their Greenspeed® Technology. Their flagship Infinity® systems are capable of making tiny, 1% adjustments to their speed, allowing them to run longer at lower capacities to wring every drop of humidity out of your home. This precision makes Carrier the premier choice for homeowners who want the most "invisible" comfort—whisper-quiet operation paired with the most advanced dehumidification available.

Mitsubishi Electric

While famous for ductless, Mitsubishi’s Inteli-zone and P-Series central air systems bring that same high-tech inverter technology to your traditional ductwork. These systems eliminate the "blast of cold air" common with older units, instead providing a steady, gentle stream of perfectly conditioned air. Because they are 100% variable-speed, they are incredibly energy-efficient, often resulting in some of the lowest monthly utility bills in the industry for all-electric homes.