How Often Do Air Filters Need To Be Changed?
It varies depending on the type of filter you have. If you have cheaper, disposable filters, we recommend changing them every 30 days. If you have pleated, or poly, filters, we recommend changing them every 90 days. Media filters or CleanEffects filters can last a little longer and should be replaced about once a year.
Do Bigger Air Conditioning Units Perform Better?
Not necessarily. It is important to purchase an air conditioner that is the right size for your home. If you buy an AC unit that’s too big, it will cool your home faster, but it will also be less efficient and will not eliminate humidity well enough. It will have short-run cycles. While it will cool the air quickly, it will shut off before it blows enough air across the indoor coil to drain water from your system. This will leave too much moisture in the air, which can lead to mold and mildew in your home. Your system starting and stopping more often , may cause it to use more energy and wear down faster. Longer run cycles are more efficient.
How Long Does HVAC Equipment Last?
HVAC systems generally last 10 to 15 years. However, your system becomes less efficient and performs worse as it gets older. Therefore, after about 10 years, you may want to start looking for a replacement. Even if you are not having any major problems, modern HVAC systems will save you money on your energy bills because they are more efficient. Plus, they generally come with 10-year warranties, so you won’t need to worry about replacing them for quite a while.
If I Have An Older System, Can I Save Money By Just Replacing The Outdoor Unit?
Probably not. Older systems use Freon R-22, which has been phased out and replaced with Freon R-410A, also known as Puron. Puron is more environmentally friendly and more efficient. In addition, the minimum SEER rating or efficiency that we can use today is 13 SEER (older systems are 10 SEER and below). The refrigerant and efficiency rating of your indoor coil and outdoor unit must be the same, so you have to replace the whole system at once.
Why Do I Need A System With Matched Components?
Why Do I Need A System With Matched Components?
Matched systems ensure maximum performance, maximum efficiency, and maximum comfort. A matched system will maintain proper cycle times and manage humidity properly for your home. In addition, a matched system will prevent you from paying too much for your energy bills. Your system will run at peak efficiency, with no energy wasted due to improper size.
What Are The Advantages Of High-Efficiency Air Filters?
Proper air filtration is crucial to the health of both your HVAC system and your family. Air filters prevent dust and dirt from building up in your system to keep it performing at its best. High-efficiency filters do a better job of this and remove dust, dirt, mold, and more from the air. This is especially useful if you have allergies or respiratory issues. High-efficiency filters are better, but not 100% necessary. Whether or not you choose to use them, remember to change your filters regularly.​
How much does it cost to install a new AC unit?
The cost of installing a new AC unit can vary widely depending on the size of the unit, the complexity of the installation, and your location. On average, you can expect to pay between $6,000 and $10,000.
What are the best air conditioning units?
The best air conditioning units are typically those from reputable brands like Carrier, Trane, Lennox, and Rheem. Look for units with high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings for better efficiency.
How often should I service my air conditioner?
It’s recommended to service your air conditioner at least once a year, preferably before the cooling season begins. Regular maintenance helps keep your unit running efficiently and extends its lifespan.
Why is my AC blowing warm air?
Your AC might be blowing warm air due to several reasons: a dirty air filter, low refrigerant levels, a malfunctioning compressor, or an issue with the thermostat. It's best to have a professional inspect your unit.
What size AC unit do I need?
The size of the AC unit you need depends on the square footage of your home, insulation, and climate. A professional HVAC technician can perform a load calculation to determine the right size for your home.
How to improve AC efficiency?
Improve AC efficiency by regularly cleaning or replacing filters, sealing ducts, maintaining the unit annually, using a programmable thermostat, and keeping your home well-insulated.
What are common AC problems?
Common AC problems include refrigerant leaks, sensor issues, drainage problems, electric control failure, and dirty filters. Regular maintenance can help prevent many of these issues.
How can I reduce my air conditioning bill?
Reduce your AC bill by using a programmable thermostat, keeping blinds and curtains closed during peak sunlight, ensuring your home is well-insulated, and regularly maintaining your AC unit.
What are the benefits of a programmable thermostat?
A programmable thermostat allows you to set your AC to run less when you’re not home, which can significantly reduce energy usage and lower your utility bills. It also helps maintain a consistent temperature for better comfort.
How Can I Improve The Air Quality In My Home?
The first step to improving your air quality is to prevent unwanted air from entering your home. To do this, seal your duct system. Then you can focus on either cleaning your existing system or installing a more efficient air filtration system.
What is Duct Cleaning?
Duct cleaning includes cleaning the various components of HVAC forced air systems, including the air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers, coils, fan motor, fan housing, and the air handling unit housing. Dust, pollen, and other debris may build up in these components if they are not properly maintained.
What Is A Heat Pump?
A heat pump is a combination of a heating and air conditioning systems. You can install a heat pump with a variety of indoor systems, including all-electric and dual-fuel, to keep you comfortable all year.
In the winter, a heat pump takes the heat from the cold outside air and brings it inside to heat your home. However, sometimes this is not enough heat for your desired warmth, so generally, people use an electric heater or gas furnace to supplement the heat pump.
Why Should I Use Equipment With Variable-Speed Fans?
Variable speed equipment is typically more efficient and creates a more comfortable environment for you. Traditional systems only read temperature and only use one-speed fans. Variable airflow systems have variable-speed fans that are more efficient because they run at lower speeds when higher speeds are not necessary. They also read both temperature and humidity. Therefore, these systems remove more moisture than traditional systems do, increasing your comfort when it is hotter outside. Finally, variable-speed fans are typically quieter because they are able to run more slowly when appropriate.
What Is A Two-Stage Compressor?
As the name suggests, a two-stage compressor operates in two stages. Some two-stage compressors have one compressor with two stages, while others have two separate compressors. In either case, the unit runs in the lower stage, which is less than full capacity, the majority of the time. However, on the hottest days, it utilizes stage two, which operates at full capacity. Since the system is not running at full capacity all the time, it is quite efficient, which will save you on energy bills.
An alternative to two-stage compressors is variable-speed compressors, which run at even lower capacity, meaning greater efficiency
What Should I Set My Thermostat To?
In terms of energy efficiency, the general rule is, that in summer: the higher, the better, and in winter: the lower, the better. However, the point of air conditioners and furnaces is to keep your home comfortable. Therefore, you need to find the right balance for you between comfort and energy efficiency. For energy efficiency and lower bills, we recommend keeping your thermostat around 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter.
In addition to your personal preferences, your home’s efficiency in terms of insulation, ducts, air filters, whether you have ceiling fans, whether your vents are blocked, and other factors can affect the optimal temperature for your home.
R-22 Refrigerant Being Discontinued?
Yes. R-22 is no longer allowed in new equipment due to environmental regulations. Since many existing residential air conditioning units still use it, R-22 is still produced. However, it is gradually being phased out. By January 1, 2020, the production of R-22 will be reduced by 99.5%. It will become expensive and difficult to find. Therefore, if your system uses R-22 refrigerant, you may want to consider switching to a newer system.