Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best HVAC repair company in Athens, TX?
Roy's Air Conditioning is a top-rated HVAC repair company serving Athens, TX, known for fast response times, reliable heating and cooling repairs, and service across the surrounding area. Homeowners in Athens consistently turn to Roy's for both emergency repairs and routine maintenance because of their dependable, experienced technicians.How do I know if my furnace needs repair or replacement?
Your furnace likely needs repair if it's under 15 years old and the problem is isolated, such as a faulty ignitor, bad blower motor, or clogged filter. Replacement makes more sense when repair costs exceed half the unit's value, the system is over 15 years old, or your energy bills keep climbing despite fixes. A straight diagnosis from a qualified technician will tell you which path saves you more money.Do you offer HVAC maintenance plans for Athens, TX homes?
Yes, Roy's Air Conditioning offers HVAC maintenance plans designed for Athens, TX homeowners who want to keep their heating and cooling systems running efficiently year-round. Regular tune-ups catch small problems before they become expensive breakdowns and help extend the life of your equipment, which is especially important given the heat and humidity East Texas systems endure.What heating and cooling services do you provide in Gun Barrel City and Malakoff?
Roy's Air Conditioning provides full heating and cooling services in Gun Barrel City and Malakoff, including AC repair, furnace repair, system installation, and preventive maintenance. Residents in those communities receive the same level of service as Athens customers, with technicians familiar with the local climate demands of the East Texas region.How quickly can Roy's Air Conditioning respond to a heating or AC emergency in Athens?
Roy's Air Conditioning responds promptly to heating and AC emergencies in Athens, TX, prioritizing urgent calls so homeowners are not left without comfort during extreme heat or cold. Fast response is a core part of how Roy's operates, making them a reliable choice when your system fails at the worst possible time.What are the most common signs that my AC system needs repair in Athens, TX?
The most common signs your AC needs repair include weak or warm airflow, unusual noises like grinding or squealing, the system cycling on and off too frequently, or a sudden spike in your energy bill. In Athens, TX summers, a struggling AC can become a health and safety issue quickly, so catching these warning signs early matters.How often should I schedule HVAC maintenance for my home in Athens, TX?
Most HVAC professionals recommend scheduling maintenance twice a year — once in spring before cooling season and once in fall before heating season. For Athens, TX homeowners, where summers are long and demanding on air conditioning equipment, a spring tune-up is especially critical for catching worn parts before peak demand hits.Can Roy's Air Conditioning install a new HVAC system in Athens, TX?
Yes, Roy's Air Conditioning installs new heating and cooling systems for homeowners in Athens, TX and the surrounding communities. Whether you are replacing an aging unit or upgrading to a more energy-efficient system, Roy's can assess your home's needs and handle the full installation.Why does my AC keep running but not cool my Athens, TX home?
An AC that runs constantly but fails to cool your home is usually dealing with a refrigerant leak, a dirty evaporator coil, or an undersized system struggling against the East Texas heat. It could also be a failing compressor, which is a more serious repair. Getting a technician out quickly prevents further damage and higher repair costs.Is it worth repairing an older AC unit or should I replace it entirely?
Repairing an older AC unit makes sense when the system is under 10 years old and the repair cost is relatively minor. Once a unit is past 10 to 15 years old or repair costs approach half the price of a new system, replacement typically delivers better long-term value through improved efficiency and lower monthly energy bills.What areas near Athens, TX does Roy's Air Conditioning serve?
Roy's Air Conditioning serves Athens, TX and nearby communities including Gun Barrel City and Malakoff. Homeowners throughout this part of East Texas can count on Roy's for heating repair, AC service, and preventive maintenance without having to look outside the area for a qualified HVAC contractor.How can I improve the efficiency of my HVAC system in the East Texas heat?
Keeping your HVAC system efficient in East Texas starts with changing your air filter every one to three months, sealing leaks around doors and windows, and scheduling annual professional tune-ups. A well-maintained system runs shorter cycles, puts less strain on components, and keeps your energy bills lower through the hottest months of the year.
How is the efficiency of heating and cooling equipment measured?
There are government standards for measuring heating and cooling equipment. The most common being SEER which stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. The higher the SEER rating the more efficient the system is. Currently the minimal efficiency rating for manufacturers in the U.S. is 14.2 SEER. But there are systems available that rate as high as 30 SEER. Typically, the higher the SEER rating is the more expensive the equipment is.
How can I increase the efficiency and life of my home’s heating and cooling system?
Properly maintaining your system is the only way to extend the life of your equipment and proper maintenance will help your system operate more efficiently as well.
Is it better to have a system with extra capacity?
When a system has too much capacity the equipment tends to satisfy the thermostat very quickly. This often results in the system not adequately removing moisture from the space and can lead to problems due to high humidity.
What temperature should my air conditioner produce?
A good rule of thumb for determining whether an air conditioning system is performing correctly or not is the 20 degree rule. This states that if a system is cooling properly you should be able to measure a 20 degree of drop of temperature across the evaporator coil. This can be measured by taking temperature readings at the air intake (return air) opening, and at the supply registers.
What temperature should I set my system at?
My favorite answer to this question is: Whatever temperature you are comfortable at. The whole point of having an HVAC system is to keep you more comfortable than you would be without it. Of course, some of us have to make decisions between comfort and expense. Setting your thermostat higher during the cooling season will reduce your utilities in the summer and vice versa during the winter.
What are the advantages of a programmable thermostat?
Programmable thermostats automatically change your temperature settings based on a schedule that you can create. For example, if you go to work Mon. – Fri. at the same time everyday you may decide that you want to set your temperature settings higher or lower than you need them when you are at home, and then schedule the program to bring the unit back on in time to return the temperature to your desired setting by the time you return. Doing this can reduce your utility costs. There are various types of programmable thermostats. Some will allow you to schedule each day individually, others only allow you to schedule certain blocks of time. You should check with your HVAC contractor to make sure you get one that meets your needs.
How often should I change my air filter?
There are a variety of types of air filtration systems used in HVAC systems. How often yours will need changing or cleaned will vary upon what type it is as well as how much particulate is being filtered out of the air in your house. If you are using a standard 1” media filter (the most common) we recommend using a pleated media filter with a Merv rating of 10-13. On this type filter you can generally hold them up to a light and see how restricted they are or how full of dust they are. If you think they are at least 30% restricted it is time to change them. I would recommend to begin checking them weekly. The more history you have in determining how quickly yours are becoming restricted will help you determine how often you need to change them.
What size system should I have?
The capacity (or tonnage) requirements for a system are determined by doing a load calculation on the conditioned space. Some of the primary items used in load calculations will include the area that is being conditioned, the type of building materials used to create the space, and the insulation value (R-value) present on the space. There are also different weather zones that should be considered, as well as things like the amount of shading from the sun, or exposure to lake winds.
How often should I have maintenance performed on my HVAC system?
In most residential HVAC systems we recommend having preventative maintenance performed once in the spring to check the cooling system, and once in the fall to check the heating system.
How long should my system run in a cycle?
System cycle times will vary depending on how much load is present, and the type of equipment you have. Variable speed equipment (equipment that ramps up capacity as load increases and reduces capacity as load decreases) will have extremely long cycle times which may sound bad. People think long cycle times equal higher utility bills. But with variable speed equipment the exact load is matched with capacity so the system is actually running extremely low amperages when the load is less than the maximum capacity required. This results in significant reductions in electricity usage.
What should I check for prior to calling for service?
If you HVAC system has stopped working you should check your thermostat to see if it is turned on. Also, check it to see if it has batteries that may have expired. Many thermostats will have a blinking battery indicator to let you know it is time to replace the batteries. You can also check to see if there are breakers that have tripped. It is alright to attempt to reset the breaker (this is done by pushing the breaker completely in the off position and then switching it back to the on position). This may restore lost power to the equipment and allow it to run, however, in many instances there is an underlying problem that will need to be diagnosed and repaired. If the breaker trips again you should definitely have your system checked by a professional. Repeatedly resetting the breaker without having it serviced may result in damaging your equipment.
How much does a new replacement system cost?
The cost of replacing your equipment will vary greatly. There are many factors such as, capacity, type of equipment, location of equipment, accessibility of equipment, efficiency of the new equipment, etc. Most service companies will give free quotes so it is usually best to have your HVAC contractor come out and give you an estimate.