Frequently Asked Questions

Depending on the system manufacturer, quality of the installation, and regular maintenance, a heating and air condition system can last for at least 10 years.  Along with frequency of use, daily cycling of usage, and regular wear and tear of any mechanical system, other environmental factors may affect the longevity of the outside condenser & compressor depending on the degree of extreme heat or cold temperatures.

One of the best ways to improve your system’s performance is to clean or replace air filters on a regular basis.  Additionally, you can purchase a programmable thermostat, use curtains or shades in rooms that are more exposed to sunlight, and avoid blocking airflow at the intake or with vents in rooms.

One safety measure is to make sure your home is protected by fire and carbon monoxide detectors.  Having one installed in each room of your house will ensure coverage, and testing them on an anual basis is essential to protecting your family.

Several factors should be considered when sizing a heating & air condition system for your home, including climate region, square footage, and floor height.  For example, an average family home of 1700 sqft would require about 48,000 BTU of capacity (12k btu = 1 ton), which would translate to approximately 4-ton unit.   Incorrectly sizing a system may result in shorter life due to over-stessing a system that is too small, or frequent on/off cycles of a system that is too large for your home.

Once a system is ordered, the timing of the installation may vary from 1-3 weeks depending on manufacturer availability and scheduling of our technicians.  Once the installation day is agreed on, the actual replacement is generally completed in less than a week.

Your system will be designed to take a specific size of filter.  Consider each filter’s minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV).  A higher-grade filter typically is best for homes with family members dealing with asthma or allergies.  Pleated air filters are great for reducing allergens, but they cannot be left in the unit for too long or they may become obstructed.

Filters should be changed once they start to look discolored.  Take a photo when you first install the filter, and check your filter monthly — especially during high use in the summer or winter months.  During low-use times, checking every other month is reasonable.  There are also air filter guages that can be installed; however, visual inspection is preferred as part of regular maintenance.

The Department of Energy recommends replacing your HVAC system after 10 years for maximum efficiency.  Some newer units may last up to 15 years, so be sure to check when yours was installed and ask about our diagnostic assessmet if you have concerns.

• Repairs – If you have frequent repairs on the condenser, compressor, fan or other components, this is usually a good indication that the system needs to be replaced.
• Refrigerant – As of January 2020, the R-22 refrigerant has been phased-out and refills will be difficult to obtain or very expensive.  Newer units would not require this, which may save money in the long-run.
• Energy bills – If any of the above items pertain to you, and your monthly utility bills are growing compared to previous years this is a sign that your HVAC is aging and is no longer efficient.  Upgrading to a new system can reduce your energy bills as much as 20 percent.
• Temperature – An older system will struggle to keep your home at a consistent temperature, which could be due to aging components, failing thermostat, low fluid levels, clogged filters, damaged ducts, or mechanical defects.
• Sounds – If you hear squealing, grinding, or other unusual sounds that are louder than normal, this usually indicates a problem with one or more of the system components.  If these cannot be repaired by our expert technicians, this may be a time to consider replacement.