Frequently asked questions about your heating and cooling equipment
What is the SEER Rating?
The SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) is how the efficiency of your heating and cooling equipment is measured. The SEER is the amount of cooling your system will deliver per dollar spent on electricity, as compared to other systems. For example, a 3-ton unit may have a SEER efficiency rating of 13, 14, or 15. The higher the SEER the more efficient the system will be. The SEER rating of any given unit can range anywhere from 13 to 17.
Why is the SEER rating on the Energy Guide different than what my dealer quoted?
Each split system cooling unit has a nominal SEER rating. This rating can be increased with the upgrade of the same series indoor unit. The SEER rating of a system is derived based on the combination of equipment installed in the home. The outdoor equipment (heat pump or air conditioner), as well as the indoor equipment(evaporator coil and furnace, or air handler), play a vital role in the total rating.
Why should I have regular (or preventative) maintenance and how often should I have it performed?
Your heating and cooling systems work incredibly hard to perform their functions for your home every day. The constant stopping, starting and continual operation can wear down any machine if the proper care and maintenance is delayed. However, by performing regular maintenance, you can maximize the lifecycle of your heating or cooling unit and guard against many common equipment failures. Preventive maintenance inspections performed on a regular basis can uncover leaks, rust, rot, soot, frayed wires and corroded electrical contacts that the naked eye may not notice. You should have maintenance done on your system regularly to ensure maximum efficiency and allow
What equipment requires regular (or preventative) maintenance?
At least once a year heat pumps and air conditioners require a professional tune-up. Because gas-fired equipment functions with greater efficiency, they only need to be serviced every other year. Inspections on boiler and furnace systems should include ductwork, pipes, dampers, valves, the chimney, registers, radiators, pumps, blowers, fuel lines, the gas meter, oil tank and every part of the actual furnace and boiler. Meanwhile, heat pump and air conditioning unit inspections should also include inspections of the fan, compressor, indoor coils, outdoor coils, line kits and refrigerant lines.
What are the advantages of a programmable thermostat?
Since they are electronic, programmable thermostats are more accurate and efficient than thermostats that contain mercury. With programmable thermostats you can control the temperature in your home at different times of day without ever touching your thermostat. Because everything is automatic, you will never forget to change the setting on your own.
What type of filter should I use and how often should I replace it?
Standard filters work to keep your system and its ductwork clean, but they don’t really improve indoor air quality. To do that you need a media filter. The media filter rests between the main return duct and the blower cabinet and will improve dust and particle removal by seven times that of a standard filter. However, upgrading to a pleated media filter will remove everything from insecticide dust to airborne viruses from the filtered air. Always choose a filter that matches your blower’s capacity. Gaining optimum efficiency and filtration for your HVAC system, here at Air Concept Solutions, llc. recommend that you replace your disposable filters at least once a month. If you have washable filters, they should be cleaned as well once a month. The 30 day – 90 day filters don’t be fooled, filters do not last 30 days or 90 days, they only last on whatever environment you put them through. It is always good to uses filters that are less restricting and inspect your filters each week to decide on how long that filter is truly good for.
Why can’t I find the correct size furnace filter at my local home improvement store for my Equipment?
There are many options in finding your correct filters sizes if you are unable to find your size in any retail store or home improvement stores, check online and buy in bulk just remember higher cost sometimes does not make it a better filter sometimes it may make it more restricting. Savings and price shop wisely to save from your monthly to your yearly spending cost on filters. We here at Air Concept Solutions, llc can help order filters for you call us today at 843-323-8814
Which heating and cooling equipment will best fit my home?
There are many factors that affect the sizing and specifications of your system, including square footage, insulation, window surface and configuration, geographic location of your home, duct sizing and arrangement, and many others. Stop the guessing Air Concepts Solutions, llc can perform an in-home load analysis to determine which equipment combinations will perfectly suit your home and your family’s needs. Depending upon the construction of your home, one (1) ton of air conditioning can cool anywhere from 300 to 800 square feet of home. The only way to insure the size of the system you purchase will be large enough to cool your home, but not any larger than you need, is to have your home’s individual heating and cooling needs evaluated by a licensed professional.
Does my equipment or parts have warranty and what does my warranty cover?
Under 98% of standard brands there is a factory warranty, equipment parts that fail during the warranty period due to defect of the part would be covered. The warranty does not always cover labor. A warranty certificate should have been included with your homeowner information packet for the equipment and is specific to the model numbers, serial numbers and installation dates of your products. As long as the equipment was properly register by a licensed HVAC contractor warranties can range on parts from 1 year 5, years, 10 years on parts. Other misunderstanding on HVAC equipment warranty, if you were unhappy with your company that install HVAC equipment you can have any HVAC licensed contractor pick up that warranty. All warranties should be registered under the homeowners name not the contractor. If you cannot find your warranty certificate, Air Concept Solutions, llc may be able to help you find and provide you with the information.
What is the life expectancy of my heating and cooling unit?
For your specific equipment, there are many variables that affect life expectancy, and of course, the regularity of routine maintenance would be the most importance. Taking good care of your system would be the key to the longevity of your equipment. Please call us today at 843-323-8814 to learn more about our Preventative Maintenanceprograms.