Service First Blog

Residential Air Conditioning San Antonio

on Saturday, 14 April 2012. Posted in Service First Blog

Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance

home residentail ac repair san antonio

Looking for Contractors for Residential Air Conditioning San Antonio?

Service First Air Conditioning and Heating provides residents of San Antonio with around the clock professional, cost effective, reliable Air Conditioning, Cooling and HVAC repair. We also provide Service and Maintenance Programs.

 

Our Residential Air Conditioning Service department consists of qualified professional technicians. Service First Technicians are trained to do a complete analysis of your Air Conditioning System, and efficiently diagnose the problem that you may be having.

 

Ninety percent of the time our technicians can perform the services required on the spot. We keep our trucks stocked with parts to all services most brands on the market.

 

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Our Technicians are polite and courteous of your home and your furnishings. Technicians will always use “Booties” to protect your flooring and carpeting.

Technicians will provide you with a proposal to replace or upgrade your current Air Condition and Heating System based on the diagnostics. We all know air conditioners are the Hardest Working Machines in San Antonio’s Summer Heat!

 

Looking For A New System?

Free Estimates are the rule when you are ready to replace your old system! Are you ready to install central air conditioning in a home without an existing system? Call us to give you the maximum value on your investment.

 

Need A Second Opinion?

Second opinions are no Charge! Give us a call with your written estimate and we can come to your home and make sure you are getting the necessary work for the lowest price.

 

We also offer a preventative maintenance Agreement to insure that your system stays in tip-top shape. Take a look at what our preventative maintenance offers and rest assure.

 

Service First Air Conditioning and Heating’s goal is to make sure the customer feels a sense of security, knowing their air conditioner is being taken care of by a qualified Independent HVAC contractor

Maintain Your Air Condition to Save Money

on Monday, 02 April 2012. Posted in Service First Blog

San Antonio Air Conditioner Maintenance

Maintaining Your Air Conditioner

An air conditioner's filters, coils, and fins require regular maintenance for the unit to function effectively and efficiently throughout its years of service. Neglecting necessary maintenance will ensure a steady decline in air conditioning performance while energy use steadily increases. Using a professional Air Conditioning Service Provider will ensure that your maintenance is done properly.

 

Here are a couple of tips that will help keep your AC Unit in good working condition. Keep in mind that some of these things will require professionals.

 

Air Conditioner Filters

The most important maintenance task that will ensure the efficiency of your air conditioner is to routinely replace or clean its filters. Clogged, dirty filters block normal air flow and reduce a system's efficiency significantly. With normal air flow obstructed, air that bypasses the filter may carry dirt directly into the evaporator coil and impair the coil's heat-absorbing capacity. Keeping the filter clean can lower your air conditioner's energy consumption by 5%–15%.

For central air conditioners, filters are generally located somewhere along the return duct's length. Common filter locations are in walls, ceilings, furnaces, or in the air conditioner itself. Room air conditioners have a filter mounted in the grill that faces into the room.

Some types of filters are reusable; others must be replaced. They are available in a variety of types and efficiencies. Clean or replace your air conditioning system's filter or filters every month or two during the cooling season. Filters may need more frequent attention if the air conditioner is in constant use, is subjected to dusty conditions, or you have fur-bearing pets in the house.

Air Conditioner Coils

The air conditioner's evaporator coil and condenser coil collect dirt over their months and years of service. A clean filter prevents the evaporator coil from soiling quickly. In time, however, the evaporator coil will still collect dirt. This dirt reduces air flow and insulates the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. To avoid this problem, check your evaporator coil every year and clean it as necessary.

Outdoor condenser coils can also become very dirty if the outdoor environment is dusty or if there is foliage nearby. You can easily see the condenser coil and notice if dirt is collecting on its fins.

You should minimize dirt and debris near the condenser unit. Your dryer vents, falling leaves, and lawn mower are all potential sources of dirt and debris. Cleaning the area around the coil, removing any debris, and trimming foliage back at least 2 feet (0.6 meters) allow for adequate air flow around the condenser.

Coil Fins

The aluminum fins on evaporator and condenser coils are easily bent and can block air flow through the coil. Air conditioning wholesalers sell a tool called a "fin comb" that will comb these fins back into nearly original condition.

Condensate Drains

Occasionally pass a stiff wire through the unit's drain channels. Clogged drain channels prevent a unit from reducing humidity, and the resulting excess moisture may discolor walls or carpet.

 

In this San Antonio Heat having your Air Condition working properly is imperative. The San Antonio Air Conditioner Technicians at Service First are ready to provide you with quality service and get your AC Ready for Sumer. We are offering a Special Maintenance Package For ONLY $59! We will provide full maintenance on your system. Having a properly functioning AC unit will help your Unit work less and thus saving you money on your Energy Bills. ~ A Portion of this information was taken directly from Energy Savers.org


Air Conditioner maintenance

New Braunfels AC Repair Testimonial

on Wednesday, 22 February 2012. Posted in Service First Blog

This is a client of Service First AC in New Braunfels. In addition to AC Repair in San Antonio we provide full Air Conditioning and Heating Services in New Braunfels and the Surrounding Areas. 

Remeber we provide 24 hour Service, 7 Days a week. Emergency Services are available. 

There are many different heating and cooling companies that provide services in New Braunfels. The tricky part for home and business owners is deciding on which HVAC company fits their needs best. For instance, when searching "New Braunfels AC Repair "you will get many results, but there will be one constant. When researching different options there will be one company above all others that will garner the most personal recommendations as well as the most favorable online reviews in your search. 

 

We hope that you find Service First to be your best Choice for your Ac Repair in New Braunfels. 

Energy Savings Tips

on Friday, 18 November 2011. Posted in Service First Blog

  • Maintain Your System - You can ensure your system operates at peak performance by scheduling semi-annual maintenance checks.
  • Zoning - A zoning system can drastically lower your heating and cooling costs. With zoning, you no longer have to pay to heat or cool areas of your home that are rarely used
  • Programmable Thermostats - According to the Department of Energy, a programmable thermostat can reduce your heating costs by up to 35% and cooling costs by up to 25%.
  • Close curtains on south- and west-facing windows during the day
  • Plant tall, fast growth trees on the south side of your house
  • Install white window shades, drapes, or blinds to reflect heat away from the house
  • Plug air leaks with caulking, sealing, or weather stripping to save 10 percent or more on your energy bill
  • Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)
  • Unplug electronics, battery chargers and other equipment when not in use. Taken together, these small items can use as much power as your refrigerator.
  • Reduce air conditioning costs by using fans, keeping windows and doors shut and closing shades during the day.
  • When possible, wash clothes in cold water. About 90% of the energy use in a clothes washer goes to water heating.
  • Run your dishwasher and clothes washer only when fully loaded. It takes the same amount of energy to run a full load as it does a partial load.
  • If your home sits empty a good part of each day, consider investing in a programmable thermostat or manually adjust the temperature each time you leave and return home.
  • Never put lamps, TV sets and other heat-generating gadget beneath a wall-mounted thermostat.
  • Close Fireplace Dampers.
  • If you use standard filters, change them monthly. If you use an electrostatic filter, rinse it out regularly
  • If you have a mechanical air filter or HEPA filter inside your heating and cooling system, have an air conditioning and heating technician replace the filter annually.
  • Allow air to circulate around your outside condenser unit. Fallen leaves may hinder the efficiency of the air conditioning unit so make it a habit to clear your air conditioning units with fallen shrubs. This means pruning any nearby hedges and keeping the grass mowed. Treat the area for fire ants, as needed. Ants commonly build mounds inside condensers and can cause your air conditioning to shut down.
  • Have Your Air Conditioner Inspected Each Spring. An annual inspection of your cooling system may extend the life of your equipment and save you money by lowering your energy bills. Poorly maintained air conditioners can waste a tremendous amount of energy. "National statistics show that over 70% of all air conditioning and compressor outages could be avoided if the equipment was regularly checked, adjusted, calibrated, and maintained by qualified technicians." (Source - Around the Clock: Energy Saving Tips)

 

Service First Air Conditioning and Heating is currently running a Spring Air Conditioning Maintenance Special. For Only $59! Contact us for more information today. (210) 521-1500

Selecting a Reputable HVAC Contractor in San Antonio

on Friday, 18 November 2011. Posted in Service First Blog

INSURANCE AND LIABILITY When considering a HVAC contractor, ask to see documentation that they carry general liability insurance to protect your property as well as workers compensation insurance on their employees. The State of TX does not require employers to carry workers compensation insurance. Lack of adequate insurance could be a major problem for you if someone is injured on your property. An air conditioning contractor should always have these types of insurance and this will save you from a claim against your homeowner’s policy in case of an accident.

CHECK LICENSE

Choosing a HVAC contractor should include checking with the TDLR. Be sure that the HVAC contractor’s license is current and check if the TDLR has a history of disciplinary actions or complaints published on their website at http://www.license.state.tx.us.

Another source for finding a competent HVAC contractor is the local permits office for your municipality. The municipal inspectors know the HVAC contractors who do good work from the HVAC contractors who do poor work.

STANDARD PROCEDURES

Once you identify and contact several HVAC contractors set up an appointment with each of them to visit your home. You should not be charged for this initial appointment. During the meeting the contractor should inspect your existing air conditioner and collect a wide range of information about your home, how many windows and type, which direction they face, and R-value of the insulation. The contractor uses all of this information to calculate the heat load to verify that the existing equipment is correctly sized and proposed equipment is also correctly sized. You should receive a written estimate from each contractor. If one contractor submits a bid that is dramatically different from the other bids ask the contractor to explain the difference. Some HVAC contractors represent only one line equipment and using these contractors has advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side the contractor has probably gone through specialized training offered by the manufacturer. Should there be any problems with equipment performance you may have additional leverage because you may be able to involve the manufacturer. If you get estimates from contractors that sell other brands make sure they are recommending equivalent equipment.

How Heat Pumps Work

on Friday, 18 November 2011. Posted in Service First Blog

  • Heat pumps are used for either the heating or cooling of your home by transferring heat between the indoors and the outdoors. Because heat pump systems transfer heat rather than generating it, they are more energy efficient.
  • In the warmer months, the heat pump acts like an air conditioner, removing heat from the air inside your home and transferring it outside.
  • During colder months, the opposite is true, as the heat from outdoor air is extracted and transferred to the interior of your home. Believe it or not, even a 32 degree Fahrenheit day produces enough heat to warm a home using a heat pump.
  • A typical heat pump consists of an outdoor unit similar to a central air conditioning system and an indoor unit called an air handler. A compressor pumps refrigerant (also known as freon, R22 or R410A) that absorbs and releases heat as it travels between the indoor and outdoor units.
  • Heat pumps are best for moderate climates, keeping homes warm even when temperatures drop into the low 20s. A supplemental heating source may be needed for lower temperatures.

 

Have more questions about Heat Pumps? Contact Service First AC air conditioning and Heating Repair 

How Central Heating Works

on Friday, 18 November 2011. Posted in Service First Blog

WHAT IT IS?
Central heating systems have a primary heating appliance, such as a furnace, typically located in your basement or attic. All furnaces consist of four main components: 1) burners that deliver and burn fuel, 2) heat exchangers, 3) a blower and 4) a flue that acts as an exhaust for gaseous by-products. Depending on your situation, region and needs, you can choose from heating systems running on either gas or oil as fuel, or a hybrid packaged system that can use both fuel types.

 

Find the best Central heating Unit For Your Home. Central Heating and Air Conditioning Units sold, installed and serviced by Service First Air Conditioning and Heating. 

How Air Conditioning Works

on Friday, 18 November 2011. Posted in Service First Blog

WHAT IT IS? The most common central cooling system is a split system, which includes an outdoor cabinet containing a condenser coil and compressor, and an indoor evaporator coil, usually installed in conjunction with your furnace or air handler. The compressor pumps a chemical called refrigerant through the system.

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