Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my air filter during the spring and summer months?

A typical 1" throw away should be changed once every two months. An electronic filter should be washed every month. Some high efficiency 5" filters such as April Aire filter can be changed annually.

How can I be sure I have enough filtration?

Filtration has two main purposes. The first is to protect the air conditioning system from building up deposits in the system decreasing the performance of the system and causing equipment failure. The second is for human comfort. A higher efficiency filter can be installed to catch more dust and pollen or to purify the air and absorb odors. Some filters can do a combination of the above. Past that, filter selection should be based on your needs.

Will programmable thermostats save me money on energy bills?

Yes, these thermostats can save energy by lowering or raising the temperature of a house while away during the day or set back at night. However, it is not recommended to set the temperature more then 6 to 8 degrees as it may take the system several hours to catch up if the system is set back too high.

Should I cover my outdoor unit during the winter months to keep it free from leaves?

No, the outdoor unit is made to withstand the elements. Actually, damage can occur by covering the unit by trapping moisture inside the unit and causing corrosion in the electrical components. It is best to have the unit serviced in the spring and allow a technician to clean the leaves out of the air conditioner.

Should my heat pump run during the winter?

Yes, it is normal for an outdoor heat pump to run during the winter as it is the primary heating and air conditioning source for all the seasons.

Is it normal for steam to come out of my heat pump during the winter?

Yes, this is called the defrost cycle in the winter operation. A heat pump will accumulate ice in the winter. In order for the heat pump to remove the ice it will go into the defrost cycle which sends the hot gas refrigerant through the coil which melts the ice. Once the ice has melted the unit will go into its normal operation.

How long should my air conditioner last?

Around 15 years, this is an average as some units may not last that long due to heavy usage or mechanical problems along the way. A good installation and the proper sizing will greatly contribute to the longevity of an air conditioner. There are air conditioners still running today that are between 20 and 30 years old. Heat pumps tend to have slightly shorter life spans as they run all year around.

Should I replace my indoor evaporator coil when I replace the outdoor unit?

It is usually advisable to replace the indoor coil with the outdoor unit especially if the newer unit is of a higher efficiency value. This will ensure the new air conditioner will work properly and efficiently. If the system is more then 10 years old then the coil should definitely be replaced because older coils were usually less efficient and had metal drain pans that would rust and eventually leak.

When is the best time of the year to replace my air conditioner?

It is advisable to replace the system as soon as the system fails. If you wait until it gets hot you may have to wait because of the volume of business most air conditioning and heating companies get during this time.

What can I do myself if my system quits working before I call a service technician?

The first thing to do is make sure the thermostat is set properly and has good batteries if required. Check to see if the filter has been recently changed. You can also check to see if the electrical breakers for the system have tripped. If it is tripped and immediately trips again after resetting a service technician should be called. Also, you can check that the furnace door is seated in place, a loose door will not engage the door safety switch. In addition, check for standing water in the emergency drain pan or an overflowing condensate pump. Both cases will cause the system to shut down if they have safety switches. Lastly, if ice is present on the refrigerant line the system should be shut down and the fan should be on and call a service technician. Freezing lines can cause a compressor failure and is caused by a leak in the system or a dirty filter and/or indoor evaporator coil.

How much money could I expect to save by replacing my old air conditioner with a newer, more efficient model?

Savings are based on the size of the equipment, temperature settings, and the equipment's run times. A system that is more then 20 years old should be about a 6 SEER unit. If you were to replace that unit with a 13.00 SEER unit then you should expect to save about half of the cooling portion of the electrical bill. For smaller homes with one or two systems the cooling portion of the bill in the summer constitutes about 60%. So, on a $ 200.00 bill your cooling portion would be about $120.00. Therefore you could save about $ 60.00 for that month. Obviously this is a rule that does not apply to all situations but is a general guide.

Is there an ideal temperature setting for summer comfort or is it OK to turn the thermostat up to speed the cooling?

Studies show the majority of people feel comfortable with a cooling temperature of 75 degrees and a heating temperature of 70 degrees. Also most houses are designed on this standard. However, individual comfort standards may vary.

Should I be running my system's fan on auto or continuously?

Running the fan all of the time will increase the amount of filtration and will tend to even the temperatures throughout the house. However, a constant fan operation will also raise the humidity in the house during the cooling season unless a separate dehumidifier is used. It is normally advisable to run the fan continuously in the winter but not in the summer unless some sort of additional dehumidification is used.

Should I convert my air conditioning system over to the new environmentally friendly refrigerant?

The benefit of a new R410A refrigerant over the existing R22 refrigerant is that it is better for the environment. But, R410A units are only available in 13.00 SEER and above. If your budget does not allow a higher efficiency system or you only want to replace one component on your current system then you can still have confidence in your R22 purchase. R22 will still be manufactured until 2020. Only the equipment using R22 will no longer be made after 2010. Eventually the new refrigerant will be the standard and much cheaper and the older R22 refrigerant will become more expensive as it is phased out.