FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• 1) What size air conditioning system do I need for my house?

  Ans. As a rule of thumb, one ton of air conditioning will handle 500 square feet of living space but there are other factors that can change things. How much west facing glass, structure materials, insulation (R value), ceiling height, type of windows and doors, color of roof, number of rooms, and many more.

• 2) What is a dehumidifier?

  Ans. A dehumidifier is a machine that removes moisture from the air. An evaporator coil in a typical air conditioning system is a dehumidifier.

• 3) What causes MOLD and MILDEW?

  Ans. Mold and mildew start in a cool, moist, dark environment and spread from there. Inside the evaporator coil or the supply plenum of an air conditioning system is a perfect place if the system is low on freon or the evaporator coil is stopped up with dirt. Ultra Violet lights are good for getting rid of mold and mildew.

• 4) How often should I have my air conditioning system serviced?

  Ans. Twice a year is the best routine. Once in the Spring before the cooling season and once in the Fall before the heating season. This will keep small problems from becoming big ones and assure that your system is running efficiently.

5) What does SEER mean?

Ans. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This is the equivalent of EPA mileage on an automobile – The HIGHER the BETTER. January 2006 13 SEER is the minimum allowed by the federal government.

• 6) Why is ductwork as important as the brand and size of my equipment?

  Ans. Engineering an air conditioning system is very important to be sure that the air gets to its destination without turbulence and changing its temperature. Flex duct causes turbulence because of the spiral design inside of it. Smooth, galvanized metal snap loc pipe is the best with 2” foil backed insulation on the outside.

• 7)How often should I change my filter?

  Ans. We recommend that you check your filter each month when you pay your power bill. Some filters are designed to last 6 months and others will only last 1 month. A clean filter will allow the system to work much better than a dirty one.

• 8)What can I do to keep my condensate drain from stopping up?

  Ans. Keep the filter clean. Dust that gets by the filter becomes mud when it comes in contact with the wet evaporator coil. Mud will not drain! Pouring bleach in the drain once or twice a year will keep the inside clean.

• 9)Will I save money by turning my air conditioning system off when I’m not at home?

  Ans. Definitely not. The system will have to work harder and longer removing the humidity and the heat when you turn it back on. Setting the thermostat up to a warmer setting is a good idea and still allows it to run some and keep the humidity level down. Programmable thermostats will save up to 30% in operating cost by off setting the temperature while you’re away.

• 10)What is a HEAT PUMP?

  Ans. A heat pump is an air conditioning system that has a reverse on its compressor. Instead of pumping the hot gas through the condenser coil in the outdoor unit, it sends it to the evaporator coil in your house and a fan blows the heat out through your ducts. Heat pumps are a quiet, safe, and clean method of heating as well as cooling your home.

• 11)What is PURON?

  Ans. The newest refrigerant for your air conditioning system today is R-410A, or PURON. It is environmentally friendly and will replace the old R-22 refrigerant in 2010.