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FAQs

Q. How often should I clean or replace my filter?
A. Typically, filters should be replaced or cleaned once every three to six months depending on how many pets and people are in the home. Some units are equipped with permanent filters. Disposal filters should be replaced with filters of like type and size as the original filter.

Q. What do rating numbers mean?
A. To help consumers make informed choices, the U.S. government requires an efficiency rating of all air conditioning and heating equipment. The rating is meant to reflect the percentage of energy used efficiently. A high rating indicates high efficiency. There are various names for the efficiency ratings of varying types of equipment. Air conditioning equipment is rated by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, or SEER. Heat pump equipment is rated by the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, or HSPF. Gas furnaces are rated according to their Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, or AFUE.

Q. Should a thermostat be set to “auto” or “on”?
A. When the thermostat is set to “auto,” the fan operates only when the temperature requires it. This is the most used setting. However, there are advantages to using the “on” setting. First of all, the air in the house is constantly filtered through the unit’s air filter. Secondly, the constantly circulating air results in an even temperature throughout the house. However, the "on" position will result in higher humidity since air is being blown over wet coils after the condenser shuts off.

Q. Can shrubs and flowers be planted around an outdoor unit?
A. Yes. However, we recommend that plants be no closer than 18 inches from the unit. This allows plenty of room for air circulation in and out of the unit. Without this room for air circulation, the unit could overheat, resulting in a premature need for service.

Q. If an outdoor unit needs replacing, should the indoor unit be replaced, too?
A. It is a good idea to replace the entire system when an air handler or condenser needs to be replaced. The efficiency rating is based on the entire system. To gain the maximum benefit of new, highly efficient technology, the entire system should be replaced together. This ensures the system is reliable and achieving its true efficiency rating.

Q. How do you know what size system a house needs?
A. Many variables are considered in determining the size system needed , such as size of the house, climate at the location, the number and type of windows, insulation of the house, number of people in the house, etc. Only a computed heat load calculation can determine the proper size of equipment for your home, and we provide that service.

Q. Why is my unit icing-up? Why am I getting such little air flow from my registers?
A. There are several things that can cause frost on your coil and/or reduced air flow.   Anything that restricts the airflow through the inside unit will cause frost.  As the frost builds up on the coil, the airflow becomes more and more restricted making the condition worse.  When the frost is also on the outside pipes next to the compressor, you have a situation where damage to the compressor can occur.
1. Extremely dirty air filter restricting the airflow through the inside unit.
2. Extremely dirty (clogged) cooling coil restricting airflow through inside unit.
3. System low on freon, causing coil to freeze up.
4. Check your return grill to make sure that it is not being obstructed.

Q. There is water spilling out of my inside unit, what can I do about this?
A. If you do not see ice build-up on the larger copper tubing (covered with a black, sponge insulation)when you run your system, then you probably have a clogged drain line. A clogged drain line is usually caused by algae build-up inside the drain line.  And yes, there is something you can do to prevent this condition.  Algae is a living plant and will grow in your drain line until it clogs the line. The air handler provides a cool, damp environment for development of molds and mildew and if left untreated these growths can spread into your ductwork.  If only moderate to light buildup is present then there are chemical disinfectants specifically designed for use in air handlers that will kill the existing mold and mildew and control new growth. These disinfectants are safe and very effective and are applied by simply spraying into the filter intake and by placing "Algae Strips" directly in the drain pan.  If the coil has mold or mildew present then it also should be treated.  Make sure that the face of the cooling or evaporator coil is clean so that air can pass through freely.

Q. The system is running but the air is not very cold, what's wrong?
A. If some cooling is taking place but not enough, then the chances are that the system is low on freon. If the leak is not sealed before recharging with freon, the freon will eventually leak out again. Freon recharging is not a do-it-yourself job.  As per federal law (EPA), only people certified to handle refrigerant (freon) are allowed to recharge an air conditioning system.

Q. The outside of my unit is dirty or the air around the outside of my unit is blocked. What should I do?
A. Visually check the coil of the outside unit to make sure that it is not excessively dirty or blocked. If the coil is dirty you can flush it with a garden hose.  Keep water clear of electricals.

Q. My compressor is burnt out or locked, or is not running for some other reason. What should I do?
A. If the fan on the outside unit is running but you do not hear the sound of the compressor running , then the compressor is malfunctioning.  This would be a very serious problem requiring an a/c contractor.
 
Q. My air return is sucking in hot air. What should I do?
A. If you have an air return duct in a hot area such as an attic or garage, make sure that this duct is not broken, split, or disconnected and sucking in hot air.

Q. Inside unit is running but the outside unit is not, what's up?
A. Tripped A/C breaker:  Check this first. Find the breaker for the air conditioner.  Turn it completely "off" even if it appears to be "off", then turn it back on again.  If it trips again, leave it alone and call your contractor.