Air Conditioning FAQ

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Air Conditioning

Why is annual air conditioning maintenance important?

Having annual air conditioning maintenance performed on your system is extremely important for a number of reasons. First of all, it can help to ensure that your air conditioning system doesn't lose efficiency as time goes by. A system that isn't properly maintained can lose as much as 5% of its efficiency annually. But with a proper tune up, your air conditioning system may not even lose that much over the course of 10 years, saving you a good chunk of money along the way.

Also, during their annual visits, professional air conditioning technicians will be able to spot any problem areas or parts that seem to be wearing out too quickly. Attending to these types of issues before they actually manifest themselves in the form of performance problems can save you both time and money.

These minor repairs are much less costly than the larger ones that might be needed if the problem was allowed to persist. Also, because your annual maintenance is scheduled to fit nicely into your schedule, you won't have to take off extra time from work or interrupt your busy schedule like you might if your air conditioning system needed emergency repairs unexpectedly.

How long will my new air conditioning system last?

In general, you can expect your new air conditioning system to last between 10 and 15 years. With proper maintenance, they can sometimes last even longer. Our professionals strongly recommend that you have your air conditioner tuned up at least once every year.

How do I Know if I should replace my air conditioning system?

There are several instances in which you may want to consider replacing your air conditioning system. For instance, if you've been calling for a lot of repairs recently, then there's a good chance your system is on its last legs. And even if it isn't and the repairs are relatively minor, you could still probably save money by investing in a new system now rather than paying for repeated repairs. Plus, your new system will likely be so much more energy efficient than your old one, so you'll save money there too.

However, you may also want to look into replacing your air conditioning system even if you haven't been having problems with it. Particularly if your system is 10 years old or more, you can replace it with a newer air conditioning system that is so much more efficient and it will quickly pay for itself in terms of monthly energy savings.

Will a ductless split or mini-split air conditioning system work for me?

Ductless split and mini-split air conditioning systems have many qualities that make them attractive to all types of consumers. Particularly if you don't already have ductwork in place, these are the cheapest and easiest systems to install. The indoor components of ductless splits can also be installed in multiple locations throughout your home so that you can control the temperatures in those areas individually. Split AC units are a good option for many people in many different types of houses, but you will benefit particularly from this type of installation if you have a smaller home or one that does not lend itself easily to the installation of ducts.

To determine if a ductless split system is the right choice for you, it's best to discuss your needs and concerns with an expert. They can walk you through the selection process and explain to you exactly what the benefits would be of splits or mini-splits relative to other types of systems in terms of your specific situation.

How do I know which air conditioner is the right size for my house?

Sizing an air conditioning system for your home can become a pretty complicated process. You need to know what type of space the air conditioner can cool as well as how many vents there will likely be and how the dimensions of the house will affect the overall cooling power of the system. Expert technicians use industry-recognized formulas to calculate exactly what type and size of air conditioning system you need.

Indoor Air Quality

How do I choose an indoor air quality system?

There are many types of indoor air quality systems out there and finding the one that's right for you can be a complicated process. A big part of it, however, is determining what types of indoor air contaminants you're most concerned with targeting. That's because some indoor air cleaners and purifiers are better at trapping and removing larger particulate contaminants, while others are more effective with smaller particles.

The specifics of your home dimensions and layout and the type of home heating and cooling system you have in place will also play a major role in determining what type of indoor air cleaner or purifier is right for you. You'll need one that's large enough to handle the volume of air moving through your house each day, but you don't want to spend too much if you don't have to of course.

This can be a lot of information to sort through on your own, and that's why it can be very helpful to get a professional opinion when it comes to selecting the right indoor air cleaner or purification system. Experienced technicians can answer any and all questions you may have on the topic and can go over the specifics of your situation with you so that you wind up with the best possible product for your needs.

What is a HEPA filter?

A high efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filter is a device designed to remove airborne particles from any air that passes through them. They're the most common type of indoor air filters on the market today, thanks in large part to the fact that they can be up to 99.97% effective at removing particles that measure 0.3 microns or larger.

HEPA filters are usually made of fiberglass fibers that trap airborne particles through interception, impaction or diffusion. This combination of particle trapping techniques is what makes HEPA filters so effective at removing all manner of airborne contaminants.

Do I need UV germicidal lights?

UV germicidal lights add a great deal to any type of indoor air purification or cleaning system. While indoor air filters and ionizers can quite capably remove particulate contaminants, they are not as effective at eliminating the bacteria and viruses that float around in your household air as well.

And that's where UV germicidal lights come in. If you really want to do a complete job and remove all types of indoor air contaminants, then adding UV germicidal lights to your existing indoor air quality system is a great step to take.

How do I know if I have an indoor air quality problem?

It can sometimes be difficult to tell if you have an indoor air quality problem. One of the first things you should do, though, is to get a carbon monoxide detector. This will alert you to the presence of this odorless yet harmful gas. You should also pay attention to any allergy or breathing-related symptoms that you or your family may have been experiencing recently. There are many possible causes for these types of symptoms, but poor indoor air quality is certainly one of them. It may even be worth talking to your doctor to find out if they think an indoor air quality problem in your home is causing these symptoms in members of your family.

You should also keep an eye out for mold, which is a leading contributor to indoor air pollution. And make sure that the vents in your kitchen and bathroom are working effectively. You may also want to have someone come out and take a look to see if there are any leaks or cracks in your home ventilation system or your duct work.