frequently asked questions

Based upon research and unit specifications, it has been found that most air conditioners have an average lifespan of 12-15 years while the average furnace lasts 15-20 years. Of course, these numbers are rough estimates. The better you care for your unit through routine maintenance, the longer your unit will last. If you do not care for your unit, this time will most likely be shorter. Learn about our preventative maintenance plans. 

It is important to call for service whenever your system is not working as it normally should. Some signs of concern include strange sounds coming from the unit, weird odors coming from the unit, increased utility bills for no apparent reason, your home not being as warm or cool as normal, and other signs something could be wrong with your comfort system.

According to The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, it is recommended that the indoor humidity level be between 30 and 60 percent. Learn about our great products that control humidity in your home. 

First, if you have an older unit, you may want to consider replacing it with a newer model. The air conditioning and heating units on the market today are far more energy-efficient than those of the past. This is a great first step, but if you are not able to purchase a new unit, there are other measures to take.

Here are some more tips for reducing your utility bills:

• • Setting your thermostat at a temperature that is comfortable without being extreme. Your unit will have to work much harder to keep your home 60 degrees in the summer rather than setting it at a more conservative temperature of 73.
• • Keep filters clean according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• • Do not block the vents in your home with drapes or furniture. This will limit the effectiveness of your units.

No, you don’t want your air conditioner to be too big. Air conditioners control the comfort level in your home by cooling the air and removing humidity. An oversized air conditioner will cool your home faster, but it will use more energy and will not remove humidity adequately.

A unit that is too big for your home will have short run cycles. It may take only a short time to cool the air, but the unit shuts off before enough air blows across the indoor coil where moisture condenses into water and drains from your system. Too much moisture left in the air can lead to mold and mildew problems.

These short run cycles also mean your system starts and stops more often which uses more energy and causes a lot of wear and tear. An air conditioner operates more efficiently during long run cycles.

The same holds true with heating systems. An oversized furnace will warm the house quicker, but it uses more fuel and causes greater temperature swings in the home.

How often you should change your filter depends on the type of filter you have and how much infiltration you have throughout your home and ductwork. “Throw away” or the less expensive filters have to be replaced every 30 days. “Pleated” or “Poly” filters have to typically be replaced every 90 days. “Media filters” or Clean Effects filters usually have to be replaced every year. We offer free advice so give us a call at any time with any additional questions.

A heat pump is an air conditioner that also has the ability to heat your home. A heat pump can be installed with a variety of indoor systems including all electric and dual fuel. All electric comfort systems use heat pumps to heat your home in addition to back up heat strips for the cold days. 

A dual fuel comfort system also uses a heat pump to heat your home but for the really cold days it uses a gas furnace for back up heat. Just like air conditioners, we have a range of heat pump options for every budget. Different options provide different comfort levels, efficiencies and noise levels. Just like A/C replacement, it is important to look at your home as a system and perform the proper calculations to ensure you get the most value for your investment.

Did you not see what you were looking for in this list of frequently asked questions? Give us a call: 256-536-0967