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Frequently Asked Air Conditioning Questions
What is a SEER?
Is there a minimum SEER requirement?
How much money can a higher seer system save me?
Is the cheapest price the best decision?
What is the average life of an air conditioning system?
What other factors affect homes energy consumption?
If I replace my air conditioning system should I make repairs to other energy loss items?
How do I know when its time to replace my system?
Should I change the indoor and the outdoor units at the same time?
Why should I replace my old system?
I have rooms that are warmer than others is there anything that can be done to even the room temperatures?
I have allergies, is there anything I can do to reduce my allergy symptoms?
Should I have annual maintenance performed on my air conditioning system?
What maintenance items should I do to keep my air conditioner in working condition?
What is a SEER?
Air conditioning systems are rated by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or SEER. The higher the SEER the less energy you will use to cool your house, which results in lower electricity bills. Often the electric savings produced by higher SEER equipment offsets the investment of new equipment in a few years.
Is there a minimum SEER requirement?
Yes, The department of energy increased the minimum requirement to 13 SEER on January 23, 2006.
How much money can a higher seer system save me?
There are many variables that affect a systems efficiency however you can usually expect 5% to 8% energy savings per seer upgrade.
Is the cheapest price the best decision?
No, the cheapest price is not always the best option. There are alot of varaiables to take into consideration when choosing the right company to perform service or replace your system, as well as manufacturer. In the long hot Arizona summers, air conditioners can sometimes be running 24hrs a day for weeks at a time and that is why it is so important to choose your brand and air conditioning installer very wisely. These days there are many cheap brands and one man operations making it harder for consumers to know the difference between quality, reliability and the advantages of making the right choice. Often times these cheaper systems and service companies have no back up service either. Integrity, company policies, practices and longevity are just a few things to double think before making that final decision. You don't want to hire someone that won't be able to back up there work or still be in buisness should a problem arise. When it comes to air conditioning the old saying is very true, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!
What is the average life of an air conditioning system?
It can vary, however the average life of an air conditioning system is between 10 to 15 years. The life expectancy can vary depending on amount of usage, how well the system is maintained and climate the system is operating in.
What other factors affect homes energy consumption?
There are many factors in addition to the efficiency of an air conditioning system that effect the energy consumption of a home. Ductwork leakage and overall ductwork condition can have an effect on energy efficiency. Other factors like wall and attic insulation, orientation of home, quality of windows and outside air infiltration can have tremendous affects on homes energy consumption.
If I replace my air conditioning system should I make repairs to other energy loss items?
We recommend that a complete air conditioning system evaluation be completed when replacing your air conditioning unit. If there ductwork repairs or lack of insulation in the attic than we recommend making the repairs at the same time. R.T. Brown Mechanical Inc. is capable of repairing or replacing deteriorating ductwork as well as attic insulation.
How do I know when its time to replace my system?
You should consider replacement when the system gets old and is in need of frequent repairs. Replacement should also be considered when major repairs are needed. A compressor or coil repair may be less expensive than system replacement, however a new system will save you money in the long run!
Should I change the indoor and the outdoor units at the same time?
Yes. Air conditioning systems are designed to operate as matched systems. The efficiency ratings are based on the entire system being properly matched. If you install a higher SEER condenser with a lower SEER air handler than you will not achieve the higher efficiency. By replacing the entire system you will achieve the full efficiency and have a more reliable system. Another consideration is the refrigerant used in your system. The EPA banned the use of R-22 refrigerant in 2009 and required all new systems to use a more environmentally friendly R-410a refrigerant. Today’s systems use R-410a refrigerant while yesterdays primarily used R-22. The two refrigerants and the components should not be mixed therefore when replacing one unit the other one should be replaced as well.
Why should I replace my old system?
Many factors can contribute to the consideration of system replacement.
Yes there is! Your (Hot Spots) may be caused by an unbalanced duct system. We can provide a balance that can help the problem. There is also a possibility to zone the home, this option consist of installing a zoning system. The installed zoning system will allow you to independently control the temperature in designated areas of the home.
I have allergies, is there anything I can do to reduce my allergy symptoms?
Yes there is! There are many options available from upgraded filters to hospital grade H.E.P.A. filtration systems as well as ultra violet germicidal lights that improve allergy symptoms. Yes R.T. Brown Mechanical Inc. can offer these products.
Should I have annual maintenance performed on my air conditioning system?
Air conditioning manufactures and contractors recommend that annual maintenance is performed to keep the air conditioning system in safe and working order and to keep the system in peak performance.
What maintenance items should I do to keep my air conditioner in working condition?
We recommend that you do the following to maintain your system working properly.
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Is there a minimum SEER requirement?
How much money can a higher seer system save me?
Is the cheapest price the best decision?
What is the average life of an air conditioning system?
What other factors affect homes energy consumption?
If I replace my air conditioning system should I make repairs to other energy loss items?
How do I know when its time to replace my system?
Should I change the indoor and the outdoor units at the same time?
Why should I replace my old system?
I have rooms that are warmer than others is there anything that can be done to even the room temperatures?
I have allergies, is there anything I can do to reduce my allergy symptoms?
Should I have annual maintenance performed on my air conditioning system?
What maintenance items should I do to keep my air conditioner in working condition?
What is a SEER?
Air conditioning systems are rated by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or SEER. The higher the SEER the less energy you will use to cool your house, which results in lower electricity bills. Often the electric savings produced by higher SEER equipment offsets the investment of new equipment in a few years.
Is there a minimum SEER requirement?
Yes, The department of energy increased the minimum requirement to 13 SEER on January 23, 2006.
How much money can a higher seer system save me?
There are many variables that affect a systems efficiency however you can usually expect 5% to 8% energy savings per seer upgrade.
Is the cheapest price the best decision?
No, the cheapest price is not always the best option. There are alot of varaiables to take into consideration when choosing the right company to perform service or replace your system, as well as manufacturer. In the long hot Arizona summers, air conditioners can sometimes be running 24hrs a day for weeks at a time and that is why it is so important to choose your brand and air conditioning installer very wisely. These days there are many cheap brands and one man operations making it harder for consumers to know the difference between quality, reliability and the advantages of making the right choice. Often times these cheaper systems and service companies have no back up service either. Integrity, company policies, practices and longevity are just a few things to double think before making that final decision. You don't want to hire someone that won't be able to back up there work or still be in buisness should a problem arise. When it comes to air conditioning the old saying is very true, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!
What is the average life of an air conditioning system?
It can vary, however the average life of an air conditioning system is between 10 to 15 years. The life expectancy can vary depending on amount of usage, how well the system is maintained and climate the system is operating in.
What other factors affect homes energy consumption?
There are many factors in addition to the efficiency of an air conditioning system that effect the energy consumption of a home. Ductwork leakage and overall ductwork condition can have an effect on energy efficiency. Other factors like wall and attic insulation, orientation of home, quality of windows and outside air infiltration can have tremendous affects on homes energy consumption.
If I replace my air conditioning system should I make repairs to other energy loss items?
We recommend that a complete air conditioning system evaluation be completed when replacing your air conditioning unit. If there ductwork repairs or lack of insulation in the attic than we recommend making the repairs at the same time. R.T. Brown Mechanical Inc. is capable of repairing or replacing deteriorating ductwork as well as attic insulation.
How do I know when its time to replace my system?
You should consider replacement when the system gets old and is in need of frequent repairs. Replacement should also be considered when major repairs are needed. A compressor or coil repair may be less expensive than system replacement, however a new system will save you money in the long run!
Should I change the indoor and the outdoor units at the same time?
Yes. Air conditioning systems are designed to operate as matched systems. The efficiency ratings are based on the entire system being properly matched. If you install a higher SEER condenser with a lower SEER air handler than you will not achieve the higher efficiency. By replacing the entire system you will achieve the full efficiency and have a more reliable system. Another consideration is the refrigerant used in your system. The EPA banned the use of R-22 refrigerant in 2009 and required all new systems to use a more environmentally friendly R-410a refrigerant. Today’s systems use R-410a refrigerant while yesterdays primarily used R-22. The two refrigerants and the components should not be mixed therefore when replacing one unit the other one should be replaced as well.
Why should I replace my old system?
Many factors can contribute to the consideration of system replacement.
- Energy efficiency is a major consideration. Wouldn’t it be great to save up to 50% off your current air conditioning bill?
- Reduced repair expenses. Some new system will come with up to a 10 year warranty giving you piece of mind that if something happens you will be covered and you expense will be minimized!
- Comfort, Comfort, Comfort!! A new system will increase you overall living environment comfort and that is something we all can enjoy!!
Yes there is! Your (Hot Spots) may be caused by an unbalanced duct system. We can provide a balance that can help the problem. There is also a possibility to zone the home, this option consist of installing a zoning system. The installed zoning system will allow you to independently control the temperature in designated areas of the home.
I have allergies, is there anything I can do to reduce my allergy symptoms?
Yes there is! There are many options available from upgraded filters to hospital grade H.E.P.A. filtration systems as well as ultra violet germicidal lights that improve allergy symptoms. Yes R.T. Brown Mechanical Inc. can offer these products.
Should I have annual maintenance performed on my air conditioning system?
Air conditioning manufactures and contractors recommend that annual maintenance is performed to keep the air conditioning system in safe and working order and to keep the system in peak performance.
What maintenance items should I do to keep my air conditioner in working condition?
We recommend that you do the following to maintain your system working properly.
- Change your filter monthly.
- Keep debris clear from your outdoor unit.
- Water clean your outdoor coil at least 2 times per year.
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