Summers in Dallas are no joke, and a broken air conditioning system during blistering temperatures can make your home virtually uninhabitable. The winter months provide respite from the heat and humidity, but mild days in the 60s and 70s aren’t unheard of.
The bottom line is that you’ll use your air conditioning system far more than your furnace in Dallas, but that’s not to say that your heater won’t see any use. Those cold days are just a little less predictable.
Dallas Air Conditioning Companies
HVAC system maintenance
Regular maintenance is important for any mechanical device, whether it’s your car, your lawn mower, or your HVAC system. But keep in mind that a periodic air filter change won’t cut it—a professional will verify that all the internal components are in good shape and working as they’re supposed to, saving you money and time in the long run.
Air conditioning and heating units are complex, and it isn’t hard for DIYers to get in over their heads. Reputable HVAC technicians, on the other hand, know your system inside and out and can recognize (and correct) small issues before they turn into expensive catastrophes.
Here’s what you can expect your technician to do during a maintenance visit:
- Replace the air filter
- Check the fan for signs of damage
- Clean dust and dirt from the air conditioner compressor outside
- Check all connections to make sure electrical components are working correctly
- Lubricate moving mechanical parts to prevent them from wearing out
- Inspect the condensate drain to make sure it’s clear
- Check the thermostat settings
- Check that the entire system functions correctly
Plan for two maintenance visits each year: one in the fall, as the heat begins to relent, and another in the late winter or early spring, before temperatures spike again.
Dallas heating and air efficiency
“Energy efficiency” may sound like a trendy buzzword, but it is an important consideration, especially when it comes to your home’s major systems. After all, the more efficiently your home performs, the less you pay for utilities like electricity, water, and natural gas.
The US Department of Energy has revised its efficiency requirements for air conditioning and heating systems, so if your furnace or A/C unit is several years old, there is a high likelihood that you’re paying a little more for heating and cooling than you would with a new system.
There’s no need, however, to immediately spend a few thousand dollars on a brand-new HVAC system—at least not until you’ve had your current system evaluated by an experienced pro. Some systems can be retrofitted with new components to increase their efficiency. And in some cases, of course, you will need to start shopping around for new equipment.
If you do need a new heating or air conditioning unit, be on the lookout for two distinctions:
- An ENERGY STAR rating
- A SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating of 14 or higher
Products that have been certified by the ENERGY STAR program are guaranteed to be more efficient than their non-certified counterparts. The unit’s SEER rating is another assurance that you’re getting a system that won’t cost an arm and a leg to operate. In Texas, all new HVAC systems must have a SEER rating of at least 14, but the higher that number, the better.
The Best Picks for Air Conditioning and Heating in Dallas
The Best Pick Reports survey team talks to Dallas homeowners each year to find the best air conditioning and heating companies in the metroplex.
All Best Pick companies are vetted annually for high-quality work and outstanding customer service. We verify all state-required licenses and insurance every year, too. Our intense qualification process ensures that we recommend only the best companies in your area, and we’re pleased to present that information in a format that is clear and simple to navigate.
When you work with a Best Pick Dallas air conditioning and heating pro, you’ll have a great experience from beginning to end—we guarantee it!
