Consumer Tips

As a home or business owner in San Antonio TX, now is the perfect time to get an estimate for HVAC installation. By scheduling your appointment for a free estimate now, you can take advantage of the many convenient appointment times that our service technicians have available. Scheduling your free, no obligation estimate now also allows you the time to research different options and make the best decision for your home or building and your budget. Installing a new HVAC system offers many benefits to home and business owners in San Antonio TX. Consider these common reasons for new HVAC installation, the reasons why you should get an estimate for your heating and cooling equipment and learn how to schedule an appointment with our dedicated staff at C & J Air Conditioning & Heating Co.

Reasons for Installing New HVAC Systems

There are many reasons why home and business owners may need or want to install a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. These include maintenance concerns, energy costs and indoor comfort. We offer free estimates no matter what reason you need or desire to install new HVAC equipment in your home or business. Consider these common reasons for new installations.

Safety and Maintenance Issues

A leading reason that many local home and business owners need to install a new heating or air conditioning system is when their current system is in need of extensive or expensive repairs. If the current system is ten years old or older, it does not make financial sense to continue to invest in repairing a system that has reached or is near to its life expectancy. Installing a new HVAC system can avoid the hassle of frequent repairs and system breakdowns that impede your routine activities. In some cases, heating, ventilation or air conditioning equipment may have a serious safety issue that could compromise your health and the safety of your home or building. If the issue is costly, installing a new HVAC unit may be a better option than repairing or retro-fitting old equipment. Today's newest heating and air conditioning equipment does not require as frequent of maintenance as your older system does and new systems are built with more durability and longevity.

Energy Efficiency

If your old heat pump, furnace or air conditioner seems to consume more and more energy each month without any significant changes in the weather or the structure of your home or building, replacing the system could save you a bundle of money.  This means that installing new heating and air conditioning equipment in your home or business could result in a significant savings on your monthly heating and cooling costs.

Indoor Comfort

You may have discovered that your home or business is less comfortable than it used to be, and your HVAC equipment is likely to blame for this change. As HVAC equipment ages, it becomes less effective at controlling the indoor environment. This means indoor comfort problems like poor airflow, wide temperature variances between different areas of a home or building and a struggle to reach the temperature setting on the thermostat. Installing new heating and cooling equipment prevents these common indoor comfort issues.

Benefits of Getting an Estimate for Heating and Air Conditioning Installations

When it is time for new heating and air conditioning equipment in your home or business, it literally pays to get an estimate for the parts and labor costs. We offer written and detailed estimates for all home and business owners. In our estimates, we include the exact services that we will perform as part of the installation process. We also include the make and model of parts to be installed. This allows you to compare our prices with those of our competitors if you so desire. We believe that you will find our estimates to be fair, affordable and competitive given the best in class service that you will receive from our team.

Scheduling an Appointment with Our Team

We will arrange a convenient appointment time with our installation team. You will receive a written copy of the estimate and a period of time to make your decision.

At C & J Air Conditioning & Heating Co., we offer HVAC installation in San Antonio TX for all home and business owners. We have many years of experience in HVAC installation, maintenance and repairs. Our service technicians have seen it all and done it all when it comes to HVAC installation in San Antonio, and no job is too big or complex for our expert staff. Our mission is to assure your total satisfaction with all of our HVAC installation services, because we hope to take care of all of your future heating and air conditioning service needs. By bringing to you the best in class HVAC installation in and around San Antonio TX, we aim to make your indoor environment a comfortable one. When you need an estimate for HVAC installation in San Antonio or any other HVAC service, our team looks forward to assisting you.

C & J Air Conditioning & Heating Co. is one of the leading HVAC contractors in San Antonio TX. Serving the San Antonio area since 1964, this HVAC Company offers invaluable advice for its customers when it comes to the maintenance, repair or installation of a new HVAC system. Here is an outline of some of the best advice for consumers from this air conditioning company.

Installing a High Efficiency Air Conditioner

To combat 90 degree temperatures and 50 percent humidity, this San Antonio, TX air conditioning company recommends installing a high efficiency air conditioner. High efficiency units will keep you cool while saving in energy costs. The company is a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer and carries top products that are quiet, affordable and eco-friendly. The products also have high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings (SEER) to ensure energy cost savings. The most important factor for consumers to consider when having an air conditioner installed is making sure that the system is properly sized for the area to be cooled in a home. If the system is too large, it will cycle on and off frequently. With a system that is too small, the unit will run continually. Neither situation is energy efficient. In addition, both situations will not remove enough moisture and leave the air humid and damp.

The experts at C & J Air Conditioning & Heating Co. do an accurate load calculation by measuring each room. Factors like heavily shaded areas and number of people occupying the home are also considered. Using all of these factors, the company will help design an energy efficient system that meets your unique needs. Since an air conditioner system is only as good as its installation, the company's technicians all have the National American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification. NATE technicians have met the most rigorous training requirements in the HVAC industry, and the company also has its technicians undergo continual training by Carrier.

Even though some brands come with self-installation for consumers, the company never recommends self-installation. Homeowners are not equipped with the industry tools, knowledge and skills for a quality installation. In addition, most manufacturers will void the unit's warranty if it is not installed by a certified technician. The company offers a 100-percent guarantee of all of its air conditioning installations.

Proper Maintenance

The San Antonio, TX company is a strong advocate of service plans to keep HVAC systems running properly and to avoid system breakdowns. Just like a car, HVAC systems need to be professionally maintained. It is recommended to choose a service plan with at least two annual visits. During a tune-up visit, the technician will come prepared to inspect the unit and follow industry protocol for procedures to diagnostically check the system and perform routine tasks. Typical tasks include checking for faulty wiring, checking and repairing leaks, recharging refrigerant if necessary, testing the thermostat, cleaning the coil, tightening valves and lubricating parts. It is the ideal time for a technician to troubleshoot small issues before major ones emerge. Service plans also offer customers discounts on any needed replacement parts and 24/7 emergency service. Your HVAC system is the most expensive appliance in the home, and a service plan is an excellent way to protect your investment. In addition, industry studies have shown that regular service for an HVAC system increases the longevity of the system by 30 percent.

C & J Air Conditioning of San Antonio, TX also advises their customers about some basic steps that they can take to keep the unit operating in good condition. Dirty air filters can adversely affect a system's performance. Air filters should be changed or washed at least every two months. The outdoor condenser should be checked for any debris and away from any blocking objects, such as boxes or chairs. Blocking objects can affect air flow, and sticks and debris can clog the system or break a fan blade. When mowing, consumers should always mow in a direction away from the outdoor condenser. This is to prevent the system from getting clogged due to grass blades. Combining self-maintenance with a service plan is the ideal way to keep a system operating efficiently.

The Clean Air Act

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made changes to the Clean Air Act in 1989. In January 2020, the EPA will enforce a ban on Freon. As a result, business and homeowners will be required to replace units that operate on Freon by that date. The new alternative will be Puron. Puron is non-flammable, non-toxic and has no negative impact on the environment. It also helps air conditioners and heat pumps operate more efficiently. Many of C & J Air Conditioning and Heating Company customers have reported energy cost savings of up to 40 percent after switching to Puron. The company highly recommends that customers upgrade their old systems from Freon to Puron before the ban to capture the energy cost savings. The experts at C & J Air Conditioning and Heating Co. provide new customers with an energy auditor and can help customers select the best unit that operates on Puron. The energy auditor will review past energy bills, the system and take measurements of the home to determine the best energy efficient system.

C & J Air Conditioning and Heating Company of San Antonio, TX is an expert HVAC company where customers can expect superior products, superior technicians and superior service.

When you need to replace your central air conditioner or you are installing a central air conditioner into a new home in San Antonio, TX, you need to put some time into finding out which heating and air conditioning service company is the best one for you. Some San Antonio heating and air conditioning companies offer cheap rates, but the work may not be up to par. When you need a new air conditioner installation in a newly constructed home, or if you are replacing an older unit, you need to select a company that will provide you with all of the information you need to make an educated choice about the new system.

Because a new air conditioner installation is likely to be one of the most significant investments you will make in your home, you will want to know that the installation will be performed by an experienced professional. A new air conditioner installation will cost a few thousand dollars. The last thing you want is to have the equipment installed by someone who is not thoroughly experienced with such installations.

Many homeowners prefer one brand of HVAC equipment over another. Many reputable manufacturers produce excellent equipment. However, just because you or your relatives have always been partial to one brand does not mean that you must continue down the same path. With so many options available, you should review the produces a few other reputable manufacturers. You may find that another company manufactures a model that meets your needs at a better price or has the options you would like to have with your equipment.

Steps for Choosing a Good Air Conditioner Installation Company

Many companies in San Antonio perform AC service. However, you want to select the best company when installing a new central air system. The American Council for Energy Efficient Economy offers a few steps for selecting the best company for your installation.

1. Ask if the AC service companies you are considering employ only certified technicians and ask if the company belongs to any HVAC or professional contracting organizations.

A good AC service company will likely hire and employ technicians that are certified. Certifications indicate that the company requires a certain standard and that their service technicians stay up to date with the latest technologies. The North American Technical Excellence, or “NATE,” certification is one certification that HVAC technicians may hold.

In addition, the company may belong to professional organizations, such as the Air Conditioning Contractors Association (ACCA) and the Sheet Metal/Air Conditioning Contractor's National Association (SMACNA). Professional AC service companies will likely belong to one of these, or another, professional organization. The company may also partner with the federal Energy Star program. Membership in or association with a professional organization is one way to know that the HVAC company is established and will provide high quality work.

1. An excellent HVAC service company will not provide you with an estimate of an air conditioner installation over the phone.A reputable HVAC company needs more information about your home's size and energy usage before quoting a price for an air conditioner installation. The company may offer to provide you with a free estimate, but they will definitely want to send a technician to your home to estimate the job. Beware of any company that provides estimates for installations over the phone.A well-trained HVAC technician will estimate the size of your home, as well as your home's cooling load, to determine the appropriate sized central air conditioning unit. A well-trained HVAC technician will not simply look at your existing model and recommend the same type of unit. Technology has vastly improved over the past several years. A well-trained HVAC technician will be able to advise you regarding improvements with equipment and energy efficiency. This technician will offer you options to save money on energy costs and will provide you with a selection of equipment with new and improved features.
2. The lowest quote does not always guarantee the best price.Some AC service companies will provide rock-bottom quotes, but this does not mean that their service will be a bargain. If the company will install off-brand equipment or if their service is poor, you will not gain much by saving a few dollars on the installation. You need to know that the company you choose to install your new system will perform warranty work, make prompt repairs, if needed, and will offer excellent customer service.
3. An excellent HVAC service company will provide you with a written estimate that breaks down the cost of the air conditioning installation.The written estimate will include the cost of the equipment, the cost of labor and any additional charges that will be assessed to do the job. You also may want to ask if the company will stand by their estimate. You want to make sure that you can bank on the charges that are assessed for the quote. The last thing you want is to find that you are charged several “hidden fees” after the job is completed.

C & J Air Conditioning & Heating Co. provides central air conditioning installations for residents in the greater San Antonio area. When you need a reliable, professional AC service company, call C & J Air Conditioning & Heating Co. This company will provide you with a complete and accurate estimate for the installation of your equipment. The company offers prompt, professional HVAC service and the San Antonio customer is always the top concern.

San Antonio, TX is one of the most historical locations in America and is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes. It is a location thousands of new people are drawn to every year. However, this area is also known for some of the hottest temperatures in the country, and anyone who resides in the area must be able to rely on their AC system to stay cool. C & J Air Conditioning & Heating Co., one of the most reputable companies in the area that provides air conditioning installation and repair services, recommends that one be very particular when choosing a new air conditioning unit. The right one is going to provide you with many great features, and it will also help you to save on energy costs. The following are just a few of the features that have been highlighted as the most important when choosing a new AC system:

One of the main features to look for on a new AC unit is its ability to provide you with different temperature settings for each room in your home. Most people do not use every room in their home, so having the ability to keep the AC off in those unused homes will help you to save money. Why pay to keep a room cool if you are not using it? Along with keeping it off in rooms you are not using, you can set the temperature in each room at a different setting. You may prefer a cooler temperature in your bedroom, and a new air conditioning unit will allow you to do this at an affordable cost.

It is also important that you look for an AC system that has the option to use the fan only. When the temperatures have cooled off outside, the temperatures inside your home may still be higher than what you would like. However, you should not have to have high energy costs to get them where you would like. Instead of using the actual air conditioner on the unit to cool off the home or setting up fans all over the home, simply flip the switch on your AC system to the fan-only mode. This will bring the cooler air outside into your home and will use very little energy in the process.

Along with the fan-only option, an air conditioning unit that offers the homeowner to control how much refrigerant the system is using can save you money. This Thermal Expansion Valve allows the refrigerant levels to be adjusted according to what the temperatures are outside. If the temperatures outside are cool, the refrigerant levels can be restricted so that less energy is being used. When it is hot outside, you can simply open up the flow of the refrigerant and keep your home cool. Many of the older systems to not have this capability, and many homeowners are paying the high cost of running their air conditioning unit, even when the temperatures are not too high outside.

Another feature highlighted as one of the best energy-savers is the fan-delay. When your AC system shuts down when the temperature setting is achieved, the cool air left behind in the ducts is wasted energy if the fan shuts down at the same time. If the fan-delay option is available, the fan itself will remain going, so that it can allow all of the cooler air to be pushed out of the ducts. Without this fan-delay feature, the cool air is left in the ducts and more money is wasted.

Of course, there are many other features that are important when you are considering the installation of a new AC system. For example, an air conditioning unit that has system alert functions will also help to make sure your AC system is working properly at all times. Consider this feature like that on your automobile. When a yellow light shows up on the dashboard of your car saying that your car engine needs to be checked, you immediately take it in to a service station to find out what the problem is and to have it repaired. With this alert system on your air conditioning unit, you will know when it is time for a cleaning and if something is wrong. Operating a unit that is not functioning properly is going to waste energy and cost more money.

C & J Air Conditioning & Heating Co. recommends that the residents of San Antonio, TX keep their air conditioning unit in top form, as this is how the homeowner can save money. The truth is that any AC system that is old and in need of maintenance will not be very energy efficient. While you may not think that a new air conditioning unit is in your budget, the fact is that you cannot afford not to buy one.

At C & J Air Conditioning & Heating Co., we are pleased to see that most of our customers are concerned enough about the environment to consider how their own heating and cooling choices affect it. Our air conditioning service company is a professional HVAC dealer located in San Antonio, Texas that uses HVAC system products that are friendly to the environment whenever possible. This includes using Puron as a refrigerant gas to power HVAC systems instead of Freon. If you are not familiar with either of these terms, read more to learn about the differences.

What is Freon?

Freon is a refrigerant gas that transforms into liquid and allows your air conditioner to produce cool air and your heating system to produce warm air. Without refrigerant gas in your HVAC system, you would have the equivalent of a fan or a space heater. Freon is made with mineral oil, which unfortunately has been proven to have detrimental effects on the earth's ozone layer. You may also have heard Freon referred to as hydrochloroflurocarbons, HCFC or HCFC-22.

What is Puron?

Puron is an alternative to Freon that is made of synthetic oil. It is also referred to as R-410A. As compared to Freon, Puron is non-toxic, non-flammable and doesn't cause environmental damage. It also helps heat pumps and air conditioners to operate more efficiently. Our service technicians have heard reports from customers that their energy costs after switching to Puron are up to 40 percent less.

The Clean Air Act

In 1989, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) modified the existing Clean Air Act to gradually phase out the use of Freon by heating and air conditioning service companies. The substance could still be used for HVAC systems that required it, but HVAC equipment manufacturers were told to cease production of new units that were powered by Freon. This law became mandatory on January 1, 2010. While there are still HVAC systems in existence that use Freon, the numbers are rapidly declining. As of January 1, 2020, the EPA will enforce a total ban on Freon. This means that the substance can no longer be manufactured or imported into the United States. Home and business owners will be required to replace units that operate on Freon by that date.

How Our Air Conditioning Service Company Can Help

If you are concerned about the environmental impact of your home or business in San Antonio, contact C & J Air Conditioning & Heating Co. for assistance. We will send a home energy auditor to your property to evaluate it for efficiency as well as address your environmental concerns. Our energy auditor will provide you with a written list of suggestions on changes you can make to improve energy efficiency and decrease the effect that your home or business has on the environment. We use a whole-house approach to energy conservation that was implemented by the EPA and the United States Department of Energy (DOE).

Another way that we can assist you in your energy conservation efforts is helping you select a more efficient air conditioner or heating system. By upgrading now, you will save yourself the trouble of having to replace your HVAC system when the EPA imposes the Freon ban in 2020. Also, you have the potential of saving up to 40 percent on energy costs when you replace an old or inefficient air conditioner, heat pump or furnace. The EPA recommends replacement for air conditioners over 10 years old and heating systems more than 15 years old.

The trained service technicians at our heating and air conditioning service company know what to look for when it comes to energy efficiency and environmental concerns. First, you should ensure that the new unit you are considering operates on Puron. This will prevent ozone layer depletion and save you money on operating costs at the same time. Our air conditioning service company can install the new unit if you decide to purchase one at this time. We will ensure that your new unit has enough Puron to get you through the summer before leaving the appointment.

Another very important factor is the official energy efficiency rating of the unit. Air conditioners rely on the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and heat pumps use the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). If your San Antonio home or business uses a furnace instead, look for its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) percentage. The technicians at our heating and air conditioning service company will take the time to explain what these ratings mean and how you can use them to your advantage when upgrading to a more energy efficient HVAC unit.

As a homeowner in San Antonio, TX, you may have noticed signs of condensation around your air conditioner. Without a prompt air conditioner repair and installation by our experienced air conditioning specialists, this could lead to a much larger and more costly HVAC issue. Our air conditioner repair and installation technicians explain where you might see condensation and how it could lead to a much bigger problem.

Causes of Air Conditioner Condensation

Condensation around your HVAC system usually results from a few common issues. A blocked condensate line is one of the most common causes, as a blocked line does not allow water to drain away. A cracked hose or rubber washer or dirty coils on the condenser unit are also common causes of condensation.

Air Conditioning Options

When you have condensation in your HVAC system, our air conditioning specialists offer a variety of affordable air conditioning options and services to solve the problem. One of the most cost effective air conditioning options to solve condensation problems is a thorough maintenance and inspection service by our air conditioning specialists. Our professional air conditioner repair and installation technicians are trained to troubleshoot and repair all makes and models of HVAC systems.

Most of the time, routine maintenance such as cleaning out the condensate line, replacing worn rubber washers and air filters will solve your condensation problem. In some cases, your home may need installation of a replacement air conditioning system. We offer affordable and long lasting air conditioning options for HVAC replacement including new high SEER rated split-phase and multi-phase systems.

At C & J Air Conditioning & Heating Co., we offer air conditioner maintenance, air conditioner repair and installation by our experienced air conditioning specialists. When you notice signs of condensation in your air conditioner or around your HVAC system, we offer affordable and long lasting air conditioning options and services to solve your problem. Our team of punctual and trustworthy air conditioning technicians at C & J Air Conditioning & Heating Co.are ready to handle all of your air conditioner concerns.