1. What is the average life of a central air conditioning system?
The average life of a central air conditioning system can vary, depending on how much the system is used and how regularly it is checked or serviced. Generally, the average life of cooling units is approximately 10-15 years, individual units may vary and last much longer, depending on use and how well they are maintained.
2. Why should I have my heating and air conditioning system routinely serviced?
Servicing of your heating and air conditioning system includes cleaning coils, drain pans and lines, lubricating bearings, checking for problems or potential problems and adjusting for peak efficiency. The benefits include: prolonged equipment life, increased reliability, provides an opportunity to locate and repair minor problems before they become major problems or extreme weather breakdowns, and provides maximum efficiency.
3. What is the recommended maintenance interval for my heating and air conditioning system?
Your heating and air conditioning systems should be routinely serviced at least twice annually. Your air conditioning in the spring of the year and your heat in the fall.
4. What can I do to help ensure my heating and air conditioning equipment operates efficiently and reliably?
Have your heating and air conditioning equipment routinely serviced by a professional. Also, keeping shrubs trimmed away from your outdoor condensing unit allows for better circulation around the unit.
5. How often should I clean or replace the air filters in my heating and air conditioning system?
Routinely clean or replace your systems air filters at least 4 times per year. We recommend 6 times per year to help ensure peak efficiency. If you wash a reusable type filter make sure it's completely dry before you re-install it.
6. What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is like a conventional air conditioner except it also can provide heat in the winter. In the summer, the heat pump collects heat from the house and expels it outside. In the winter, the heat pump extracts heat from outside air and circulates it inside the house. The heat pump works best when the outdoor temperature is above freezing. Below that, supplementary heat often is needed.
7. What is a BTU?
A BTU (British thermal unit) is the amount of heat that will raise or lower the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. One BTU is equal to the heat given off by a wooden kitchen match.
8. What is a ton of cooling?
One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU's.
9. What does SEER mean?
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is a measure of the cooling efficiency of your air conditioner or heat pump. The higher the SEER number, the more efficient the system is at converting electricity into cooling power. In January 2006, the government mandated a minimum efficiency of 13 SEER.
10. What type of Freon does the air conditioner at my home use?
R-22 has been ther refrigerant of choice for residential heat pump and air conditioning systems for 40+ years. The Clean Air Act implemented by the EPA has scheduled a phase out of R-22 over the coming years, starting January 10, 2010. Consumers should be aware that prices of R-22 may increase as supplies dwindle. The EPA believes that consumers are not likely to be subjected to the same price increases that were charcterized by the phase out of R-12 used in automotive air conditioning systems.