11 Common A/C FAQs & Answers
Curious about your air conditioning? We don’t blame you!
Information about cooling services and the machines they work on is few and far between, and homeowners don’t exactly walk around swapping facts about a system they so often take for granted.
Luckily, Furnace Doctors, your Saint Paul area team of HVAC contractors, has the answers to a few of your burning cooling system questions!
1. How Long Should My Air Conditioner Last?
That all depends!
The lifetime of your air conditioner is subject to quite a few conditions, including:
Keeping it running longer means only using it when necessary and keeping up on regular maintenance to help catch any issues and fix them before they become bigger.
Generally speaking, your A/C unit can last up to 20 years, though some estimates range as low as 10 and as high as 25. While age is a critical factor, you can also ask yourself if the unit has had regularly scheduled maintenance and care. If it has started making noises or it's not running as efficiently as normal, chances are there's a problem that needs to be addressed.
Only a provider of air conditioning services can assess how much life your individual appliance has left in it, so if you’re at all worried, make plans with your HVAC contractor today.
2. What Is an A/C Unit’s SEER?
Though it sounds like the word “sear,” it has little to do with heat! SEER is an acronym that stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.
SEER is found by dividing a unit’s seasonal cooling output by how much energy it uses.
A higher number means better energy efficiency, which leads to lower bills for you. However, just because you’ve got an A/C unit with a high SEER doesn’t mean it doesn’t need service!
This ratio describes the appliance at its maximum efficiency – it doesn’t account for things like poorly maintained hardware that might decrease it.
3. How Can I Reduce My Cooling Costs?
You’ve probably heard the obvious answers: open a window, go swimming to cool down. We’re here with something less-than-obvious: investing in an A/C maintenance plan from Furnace Doctors.
Window films can help stop solar energy from entering your home and keep the area cooler. Incorporating fans, ensuring no leaks are around windows, doors, electrical outlets, or your basement or attic, and repairing any you locate will help with your monthly energy usage.
With annual preventative maintenance, priority scheduling, and 15% off additional repairs, you can ensure your unit functions at its full SEER potential.
4. Why Isn’t My A/C Working?
There are several reasons why your unit may not be working correctly, and the most common issues include:
5. Do I Have to Replace My A/C & Furnace at the Same Time?
Consider how old your system is; the closer in age, the more likely double replacement will be. If one unit is not running optimally, this will affect your monthly bill, so performance can be another factor.
The decision will also come down to whether your system is the right fit for your home. If you aren't satisfied with how it functions, this can indicate that it may be time for a double change, and it’s recommended to call an expert for guidance.
6. Why Is My A/C Unit So Noisy?
If you're hearing ticking, thumping and rattling, or buzzing noises, these can all come from multiple malfunctioning components like an overdue filter change, electrical problems, or worn-out parts that a professional will need to access.
7. Does My A/C Unit Need to Be Covered for Winter?
While most new units are waterproof, if you have an older unit, covering it is recommended to keep out excessive ice and snow. If you choose to cover the unit, ensure that you have airflow to avoid corrosion, mold, and rust, and because the cover is a cozy space for rodents in the cold winter, check the unit regularly to ensure no nests have developed inside.
8. What Happens During an A/C Tuneup?
Our experts will help safeguard your system by thoroughly cleaning components like the coils and condenser, checking for electrical damage, changing the filter if needed, and ensuring your thermostat settings and connectivity are intact.
9. Do I Need to Do Anything Before Turning On the A/C?
If you haven't turned your unit on yet for the summer, take these steps to get it running properly. Make sure the system's exterior is cleaned up by removing debris or items around the unit. Check your interior vents to ensure the cold air is pushing through, and call an expert for any maintenance and a standard check-up for optimal performance.
10. Does My Air Conditioner Control the Humidity?
While air conditioners can help with dehumidifying, they are not designed specifically for this task, and their main job is to cool. Don’t rely on your A/C to dehumidify your home or make it work harder by dropping the temperature. Instead, if you suffer in your home with high humidity levels, consult with our experts on installing whole-home dehumidifiers.
11. What Are Cooling Options Besides A/C Units?
If you cannot install a central air system, mini-splits or ductless A/C units can be a great alternative. They don't require ducting, and the system can be mounted in a single zone or multiple rooms.
Contact Furnace Doctors Today for A/C Maintenance & More
Serving the Twin Cities and beyond, we’re your one-stop HVAC shop if you’re looking for punctual, quality care or a top-of-the-line maintenance plan for furnaces and A/C units.
Keep your home comfortable all year long, and drop us a line today at 651-789-3082.