Frequently Asked Air Conditioning and Heating Questions.

From your Air Conditioning Repair Contractor serving Allen TX & the Surrounding Area

Is there anything I should check prior to calling for service?

Check your thermostat to make certain it is on and set correctly. Also check breakers and disconnects to confirm they are turned on. Also make a note of any strange noises or smells.

Is a system with more capacity better?

No. A larger HVAC system with more capacity is not the answer since it delivers less comfort and costs more to operate. If your system is not sized properly and is too large for your home it will run in numerous short cycles, turning on and off repeatedly, therefore causing it to be less efficient. An air conditioning system only removes humidity when it’s running, so a system with shorter run cycles doesn’t remove humidity from the air the way it should.

Should I close the registers and doors to areas of the home that I do not use on a regular basis?

No. Every system is designed to cool a certain number of square feet. By closing registers and doors in certain rooms, you disrupt and decrease the systems’ airflow and efficiency. Your system will have to work harder to cool less space, making it cycle more and become less efficient.

When should I replace my existing heating and/or air conditioning unit system?

All systems are different but the average life expectancy of your heating and air conditioning system is between 10 to 15 years.

Some units last longer with regular maintenance and by making necessary repairs when needed. But if a unit repeatedly begins to need repairs, or you notice it does not cool has effectively any longer, it might make more sense to replace it even sooner. An older system that breaks down once is likely to break down again…and again. That means more service calls and the risk of damage to your home or to other components of your hvac system.

If you are faced with continued repairs to your current heating and air conditioning system it may make better sense to simply replace it for a new system. In many cases, installing a new heating and cooling system can actually pay for itself in energy savings within a relatively short time.

Also, we recommend replacing both the heating and cooling units at the same time. This will not only save you on the installation costs but this will keep both units on the same maintenance schedule and have the same approximate lifespan.

What should I look for when choosing an air conditioning and heating system?

Choose a brand that has a good reputation for quality and durability.

Choose a model with a high efficiency rating to lower your electric bill and bring you better comfort.

Cheaper is not always better! Don’t just buy a system because it seems like a great deal at the time.

This is one of the largest purchases you will make for your home and one you will have to live with for the next 10 to 15 years. Do your research and find a reliable company with excellent customer satisfaction and a track record of service after the sale. Ask your friends and neighbors for their recommendations.

Will a new heating and air conditioning system lower my energy bills?

YES! A new 14 SEER air conditioning system could save you as much as 40% to 50% on your operating cost compared to your existing system. 14 SEER is currently the minimum efficiency standard allowed by law. Depending on your current operating costs, higher efficiency systems could save you even more.

What does SEER mean?

This stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The size of an air conditioner is rated in BTU or what we refer to as tonnage, however the efficiency is rated in SEER. This ratio is calculated as cooling output divided by the power input for the average U.S. climate. It's like MPG (miles per gallon) in a car - the higher the MPG the lower the gasoline bill. So for SEER - the higher the SEER the lower your electricity bill.

Is it OK to install a different brand of furnace (or air conditioner) to work with my existing air conditioner (or furnace)?

Most brands of equipment will work with others as long as the capacities and blowers are the proper size. You may, however, experience some loss of efficiency and capacity.

Some rooms in our house are too hot (or cold). Can this be fixed?

Absolutely! Airflow issues can be caused by a number of reasons. It could be has simple has a dirty filter, dirty evaporator coil, and/or dirty blower wheel which results in reduced air flow passing throughout your ductwork. It could also be due to some of your ductwork coming loose which can be resolved with a minor repair. It could be a result of a faulty duct design. In these cases, a HVAC professional should be called in to assess the issues and give you the options available to fix your airflow issues.

Should I have a programmable thermostat for my HVAC system?

Programmable thermostats are an excellent way to save energy. You can program the thermostat so that it raises and lowers the temperature automatically to coincide with your needs. They are particularly effective when your household is on a regular schedule and the program operates continuously. Aside from lowering your energy bill, a programmable thermostat offers additional comfort (i.e. Coming home to a cool and comfortable home.)

Should I set my thermostat at a constant temperature during the summer months or should I turn it off while we are away and then turn it on when we get home?

During the summer months I would recommend you set your thermostat back during the day when you are not home. However, I would not recommend that you go over your desired temperature more than five to seven degrees. Another recommendation would be that you have a programmable thermostat installed that would automatically change the setting for you. This would allow you to program your thermostat to get to your desired set point prior to you returning home.)

How can we improve the efficiency of an existing heating and cooling system without replacing the system or adding more insulation?

First and foremost is Preventative Maintenance. HVAC equipment should be cleaned and serviced at least twice a year. Lack of proper maintenance can reduce equipment efficiency by 5 - 10%. Also, check your filters monthly and replace them if they are dirty. You should use a high quality filter that has a good MERV rating to help keep your air conditioning equipment clean.

During a heating or air conditioning check our technicians will check your freon levels and adjust them (if needed) to the manufacturer's specifications. Improperly charged systems whether under or over charged can reduce the optimum efficiency of the system. For your heating system, we recommend the burners be cleaned for maximum performance, in addition to adjusting the gas pressure, and cleaning the blower wheel.

These are only a few of the frequently asked questions that we receive from our customers. Should you have a specific question or if we can be of any assistance please do not hesitate to contact us. At Air Comfort Solutions, we want to be the name you trust for all your air conditioning service, repairs, and installations needs.

Air Comfort Solutions is a family owned and operated full service HVAC contractor providing air conditioning repair, heating service, maintenance, and equipment replacement solutions throughout Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Plano, Anna, and the surrounding areas. We have over 20 years’ experience in this industry and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, allowing you to feel confident that we will provide you the service you need and deserve.