HVAC Resources
Got Questions? We Got Answers!
Our team is here to answer your HVAC related questions. You can call us or review our answers to your frequently asked questions. Whether you want to know why your AC is leaking or if your thermostat can be repaired, we’ve got your answers!
We know it’s a frustrating answer, but the cost to install a new system really does depend on many factors, such as the energy load of your home, your ductwork’s design and layout, and the brand or type of central AC unit you choose.
But that’s why we offer our customers free estimates on all air conditioning services. We don’t want you to face any surprises when it comes to your AC installation costs—or your family’s comfort!
Unless you yourself are a certified HVAC technician, it’s essential to call the professionals for help! At Earl’s Plumbing & Air, all of our air conditioner repair technicians are licensed, trained, and know how to work on all models and brands of AC systems.
Air conditioners are complex machines, and just one component being out of alignment can cause significant and costly damage to your system and home—not to mention void any manufacturer’s warranty you may have.
Call the professionals at Earl’s to request an estimate on any AC repairs you’re concerned about. We offer fair and transparent pricing on all our services so you never have to wonder where you stand with us!
Here are the most common heating system repairs that our team at Earl’s sees on service calls in Lubbock:
-Age or lack of maintenance: gas furnaces and heat pumps typically have a lifespan of 15 to 25 years with proper maintenance. Ductless mini-split systems vary, with some models lasting up to 20 years, though many environmental and maintenance factors can reduce that lifespan.
-Flame sensor malfunctions: This issue can cause the furnace to shut off shortly after ignition or prevent it from starting altogether. This is because the flame sensor is responsible for detecting the presence of a pilot flame and sending a signal to the control board to keep the gas valve open.
-Cracked or damaged igniter: If the furnace’s igniter doesn’t create a spark, your system won’t start heating the air, and you may notice your furnace is blowing cold air.
Improper gas pressures: If your home’s gas pressure is too low, this could result in incomplete combustion and low performance. If it’s too high, the heat exchanger could be overloaded, leading to early failure. Earl’s can perform gas pressure testing to discover any potential leaks or imbalances.
-Damaged blower motor: your furnace’s blower mechanism is responsible for moving heated air into your air ducts. If your utility bill is through the roof but you’re not getting warm air, this could be the culprit.
-Electronic failure or malfunction: From faulty thermostats to improper fuses to loose wiring, electrical problems are a frequent cause of shorts and heater failures.
For some projects around the house, it’s perfectly fine to watch a video online and set aside a Saturday to give it a try. Ductwork, however, is NOT one of these projects.
Ductwork is very delicate, and if you don’t have a solid working knowledge of exactly how all your HVAC systems function together, things can go wrong very quickly.
In fact, poor installation is probably what caused your air ducts to leak in the first place. So, rather than trying to make this a
DIY project or entrusting it to an amateur handyman, call the licensed professionals at Earl’s! We have the tools, training, and years of experience to ensure your home’s air ducts are properly zoned, expertly sealed, and working their hardest for you.
If you’re in a situation where you need to extend ductwork to a new part of your home or the ductwork is so badly designed that it’s impractical to replace it entirely, you might consider a ductless mini-split system for your heating and cooling needs.
Call our team today to learn more about your options!
A ductless mini-split heater, also known as a ductless heat pump, is a heating and cooling system that does not require ductwork to circulate air. It consists of an outdoor unit that houses the compressor and an indoor unit that contains the evaporator and blower.
The indoor unit is typically mounted on a wall or ceiling and connected to the outdoor unit via a conduit that contains refrigerant tubing, electrical wiring, and a condensate drain. In cooling mode, the system works by drawing in warm air from the room and passing it over the evaporator coil, which absorbs heat and moisture from the air. The refrigerant then carries the heat to the outdoor unit, where it is released.
In heating mode, the process is reversed, with the heat pump extracting heat from the outside air and releasing it indoors. Ductless mini-split heaters are energy-efficient, easy to install, and provide zoned heating and cooling, making them an ideal option for homes without ductwork or where adding ductwork is impractical.
The total cost of installation will vary widely depending on whether you just want to heat one zone that lacks ductwork (such as a room addition or a basement) or if you want to rely on ductless units for your whole home.
Other factors that affect the total cost include:
-The various control options you choose, such as remote control and smart WiFi connectivity
-The square footage of the space you want to heat
-The SEER rating of the unit you choose
In some cases, switching to a ductless system is a matter of preference, but in others, they’re the only option available. Whether you need extensive ductwork repairs or don’t have any air ducts at all, mini-splits may be the best choice. In either case, our team will work with you to find the most beneficial solution for your home, budget, lifestyle, and preferences.
There are a few tell-tale signs that something is wrong with your HVAC system, and air ducts may be one of the major causes. Our team will be able to diagnose the issue and tell you whether you need AC repair, furnace repair, or ductwork repairs.
Reasons to call an HVAC professional include:
-Uneven heating or cooling: If certain areas of your home feel warmer or cooler than others, a leak in the ductwork could be affecting the airflow.
-High energy bills: Leaks in the ductwork can cause the HVAC system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, resulting in increased energy bills.
-Dust and debris: Gaps in ducting can cause dust and debris to enter the system, leading to poor indoor air quality and exacerbating allergies or respiratory issues.
-Strange sounds: Whistling, rattling, or hissing sounds when your HVAC system cycles on typically happen because the ductwork is loose, causing it to flex.
-Visible damage: If you can see damage or disconnected sections in the ductwork, it’s a clear indication of a leak.
One room being colder or warmer than another is one of the signature signs of duct problems. At Earl’s Plumbing & Air, we have a number of solutions to address this issue, depending on your home’s ducting design.
It could be that your ducts were improperly sized or poorly designed. In these cases, we can rework the system to optimize the airflow. Or, we can install more air vents in rooms that aren’t receiving adequate airflow. For some homeowners, installing an HVAC zoning system is the ideal solution, giving you more thermostats to precisely manage airflow in each room or zone of your home.
It all depends on your preferences, budget, and the way your home was built. Our team will take all these factors into consideration as we design a customized solution for you.
Most air purifiers that you can purchase online or in stores are only fit to clear the air in one room. They also tend to rely on HEPA filters, which, while capable of filtering some particles from the air, can’t catch everything.
If you want to purify the entire house, you should invest in a system like the REME HALO®. Because it attaches to your HVAC system, these air purification systems eliminate pollutants right at the source, giving you the freshest air possible no matter which room you’re in.
A whole house air purifier is one of the least expensive components of your AC system—but it has a significant impact on your indoor air quality. While a system of this kind can cause a marginal increase in your electric bill, most homeowners don’t notice it, as it may only amount to a few extra dollars per month, depending on the size of your house.
That’s typically less than the cost of running several portable air purifiers throughout the various rooms of your home. The professionals at Earl’s Plumbing & Air can help you get a better idea of the installation and operation costs you can expect for your home.
While most thermostats come with instructions, we recommend entrusting the process to a certified HVAC technician. We understand how to properly install, level, and calibrate the system for optimal performance.
We also highly recommend calling us if you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat or WiFi scheduling thermostat. That’s because these units aren’t always fully compatible with the existing wiring, and we have the tools and expertise to ensure your new investment syncs perfectly with your home.
Thermostats can be repaired in many situations, especially in cases where the problem stems from loose electrical connections, improper placement, or dirt within the coil.
But if tightening the connections, replacing the battery, and cleaning the unit doesn’t work, it may be time to consider a replacement instead.
The most common cause for a frozen AC is a low refrigerant level. This may sound counterintuitive, but when levels are too low, the pressure within the system drops, and the remaining refrigerant can’t absorb as much heat.
Moisture from the air outside the evaporator coil freezes on the outside of the coil, then ice builds up, further compounding the issue until your system seizes up entirely.
Other potential culprits include blocked airflow in your ducts, vents, or outdoor units. That’s why regularly replacing your air filter is one of our top air conditioner maintenance tips!
Water leaks are usually caused by damaged or clogged condensate drain lines. These lines remove condensation from the unit.
Clogs, cracks, or holes in these lines can cause leaks and water damage. Don’t hesitate if you notice signs of water damage, pooling, or leaking around your indoor or outdoor unit. Call Earl’s Plumbing & Air to prevent further damage!
Generally, homeowners insurance only pays for damage caused to your home, which means that AC repairs are often not covered.
However, if your AC was damaged because of a sudden covered event listed in your policy, such as lightning strikes, hail, wind, or tree damage, you may be covered.
Call your insurance company to confirm your policy’s details about what events are covered and which aren’t. At Earl’s Plumbing & Air, we’ll provide top-notch service whether you’re working with your insurance company or paying out of pocket. With upfront estimates and financing options for larger projects, we’re always here to help our customers in West Texas get the repairs they need!
Air conditioners use electricity to cool your home. This electricity powers components like compressors and fans that circulate a refrigerant throughout the system.
This refrigerant absorbs heat from inside your home and releases it outside, resulting in cooler air.
It’s easy to get confused because some heating systems, like furnaces, use gas or other fuels for combustion to generate heat. But central air conditioning systems are separate and rely solely on electricity.
Almost certainly! AC system engineering is constantly improving, meaning that newer models can cool your home using less energy than older systems.
Less energy means more savings for San Angelo homeowners! For even further savings, consider switching to a heat pump, which combines heating and cooling into one highly efficient system.
The best time to replace an air conditioner is before it breaks down on you entirely. If you’re heading into the next warm season with a 10 to 15-year-old system, you’re gambling on your comfort and budget.
Having to replace an AC when your current system isn’t functioning can be a major disruption. That’s why we always recommend proactivity when possible. Many homeowners prefer to schedule AC replacements in the fall and spring.
That said, if your AC fails during the peak of summer, you still deserve honest, upfront pricing and technicians who can respond quickly to your needs. Call Earl’s Plumbing & Air for dependable service year-round!
Yes. You can replace just the air conditioner unit without replacing the whole HVAC system.
However, there are a few situations where replacing both the AC and furnace together might be more beneficial:
–System compatibility: In some cases, an older furnace might not be compatible with a new, high-efficiency AC unit. Our qualified HVAC technicians can advise you on compatibility during the replacement process.
–Tax incentives & rebates: Local, state, and federal tax incentives are becoming more available for homeowners who replace older, inefficient split systems. Utility companies and power suppliers may also offer attractive rebates or incentives.
When installation costs are a concern, the team at Earl’s is ready to help you navigate all your options, including financing through Wells Fargo.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us today!
Earl’s Knows Texas
Our mission is not only to be Texas’ best plumbers and HVAC techs but also to be a positive presence in our communities. From humble beginnings to 4 locations, we are proud to call Texas our home.