Questions:
Answers
What temperature should my thermostat be set for?
If your system has been designed properly, you should set the
thermostat for your comfort level. During the cooling season, anywhere
from 76 degrees to 82 degrees is common. During the heating season,
settings typically range between 66 degrees to 74.
How often should the air conditioning system be
serviced?
Dependant upon the age of the system, you may want to have each
system serviced twice a year. We recommend contacting us directly so we
can design a program for you.
Is my gas furnace safe?
Unless the system is very old (over 15 years), and has not been
properly maintained, it should be relatively safe. The newer systems do
not have an open pilot, therefore being much less of a safety concern.
If you are concerned, please contact us and we can come out and evaluate
your furnace and give you our recommendations.
What is a SEER?
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Above and beyond that, it is
basically the rating the government set so each unit manufacturer would
rate all units equally, hence giving the consumer an accurate sense of
what they are purchasing. SEER is the number of BTU’s per watt. The
more BTU’s per watt, the less it will cost to run the system.
How does a heat pump work?
**A heat pump works just like an air conditioner, but during the
demand for heating the refrigerant cycle is reversed, with a “reversing
valve” and the hot (high pressure) refrigerant is pumped into the indoor
coil, thus delivering heating into the structure.
**The first heat pump was a window unit with controls on both the
front and rear of the unit. This window unit sat in a track. To change
from cooling to heating, the unit was pulled out, turned around, and
reinstalled.
Is a heat pump the most efficient unit I can get?
Not necessarily. The design of the unit and quality of the
installation will determine the efficiency realized by you, the
consumer. Efficiency is dependant on the cost of the power, be it
electricity, gas, or propane. It is important to point out, however a
heat pump is best applied in a mild climate.
Is a gas furnace more efficient than a heat pump, or
electric heat?
Again, dependant on the application, the installation itself,
installation expense, and cost of energy, the efficiency can be
affected. Contact us today to determine what type of system will best
meet your needs.
Should I run my air conditioner and my cooler at the
same time?
It is not recommended, as one system cools by adding humidity, and
the other cools by removing humidity. If your system was designed
properly, it will have a “barometric damper” installed into the
ductwork. The evaporative cooler adds humidity to the space, and the
air conditioner works by removing humidity from the space. The
barometric damper prevents air from flowing through the ductwork and out
the cooler when the air conditioning is on. If there is one installed
on the air conditioner side, that one prevents the evaporative cooler
air from blowing back into the indoor coil, and out the return.
Occasionally barometric dampers may become stuck, and need to be
inspected.
When should I run my evaporative cooler?
Dependant upon your comfort level, an evaporative cooler may
typically be used during the months of March, April, May, June,
September, October, November, and occasionally during all of the other
months. During high humidity days, the evaporative cooler will be less
effective at cooling and achieving comfort.
Why is there water running off my roof?
The water coming off the roof, or also out of a pvc pipe is called
condensation. An air conditioner creates condensation during the
cooling process. Evaporative coolers also have water run off as a part
of normal functioning. If you notice a significant increase in the
amount of water, please contact Todd Edwards Air Conditioning so we can come
out and determine if there has been a failure in your system. You may
want to also verify your unit is level.
Please also note: Split systems have an air handler inside the
structure, typically in the attic. The indoor coil has a drain attached
to it, which usually runs to the outside of the structure wall. If a
reputable contractor installed your system there will be a secondary pan
and drain. If the primary drain becomes plugged, and the secondary
either doesn’t exist or also fails, significant property damage may
result. This is an important reason for proper maintenance on your
property.
How long should my new air conditioner last?
If any major repairs are needed after the compressor warranty
expires, you may want to consider replacing the unit. Typically a
properly installed system will last a minimum of 8 to 12 years.
I recently had a company call me, and give me a great
deal on a maintenance contract where they come out twice a year. The
guy was just here, and even though my unit has been working just fine,
he says I need some parts replaced. How long should these parts last,
and how do you know when they fail – if the unit is still working?
Two points: Anything can be fixed, and after a minute of run time, a
unit is old. There is a point when a part is considered “worn” enough
that it may warrant replacement. Typically if you can see “burnt” areas
at the contactor, or anywhere within the wiring then you may want to
consider replacing the contactor. But remember, the points on the
contactor will always have some black carbon looking residue on them.
Some parts will show aging and need to be replaced in a timely manner,
and only an experienced technician …
Should I build a shade cover for my unit?
NO. This is a common misnomer. The condenser coil works when the
air is able to flow through the coil, typically flowing through the
sides, and out the top of the unit. If this area is restricted, in any
way the operation of the unit will be affected. It is suggested a
minimum of 36" around the perimeter of the unit, and nothing over the
top of it - for most applications.
Should I run the ceiling fan during the day to make my
house cooler?
The ceiling fan does not lower the temperature in the house. Humans
cool via the evaporation of sweat on our skin, which creates a cooling
effect. The added airflow from the ceiling fan can enhance this effect
and make you feel more comfortable.
How often should I change my filter?
Monthly, during high usage periods, and every two months during
lighter usage months. Once again, the filter must be changed when it is
dirty, and begins to markedly restrict the airflow. Todd Edwards Air
Conditioning commonly recommends to our clients to change the filter at
the first of each month.
What SEER is my unit?
Dependant upon the age of the equipment, and the original SEER rating
of your equipment, it’s SEER rating can typically range from 6 SEER to
12 SEER. Call Todd Edwards Air Conditioning if you are concerned about your
existing unit, and we can come out and provide a professional evaluation
of your equipment, visit with you to determine your wants and needs, and
suggest repairs/improvements or even replacement of the system to
improve your efficiency.
Does my unit need one of those “U” shaped drains?
The “U” shaped part of the drain is called a “P-trap” and is required
on many systems. The drain is necessary so the condensation can escape,
but the condensation only trickles out, leaving most of the pipe full of
air. On many units, the design of the system creates a situation where
this hot air in the pipe can be sucked into the unit. The reason for
the “P-trap” is to prevent any outside air from entering the system.
The P-trap creates a water column thus preventing air from traveling
through the pipe. A vent is also typically a necessary part of your
drainage piping. The vent MUST be down the line from the P-trap or it
will render the P-trap useless.
Check back soon as we update our site regularly!
