Home Cooling Questions
Air conditioning ... has there ever been a more wonderful innovation? If you've ever lived through one of those hot Summit County July days, you're definitely shaking your head in agreement. You know those days, when the temps get up to about a hundred, and the humidity is so stifling you think you're going to choke. Now imagine those sweltering summer days without your glorious air conditioner. Home cooling systems have gotten to be a necessity in hot summer months, and that's why every Summit County homeowner should know a few basic things about their central air unit.
What are the different types of air conditioners?
The two most popular types of air conditioners are window units and central air units. Window air conditioners are typically used in single rooms or small apartments. In a window air conditioner, all the components are housed in a single box, making it able to fit in a window. Because one or even two window air conditioners often aren't enough for an entire house to cool multiple rooms at one time, most homeowners these days are opting for central air conditioning units. Central air home cooling systems typically include a large condensing unit that sits on the outside of a home with an evaporating unit that sits in the furnace in order to be connected to the home's existing ductwork. These two units are then connected by refrigerant tubing.
How long should my home cooling system last?
Heating and cooling systems are a big part of a home and a major investment. As reported by the majority of home cooling experts, most home cooling systems have an average life expectancy of 15 to 25 years. Just like with your car, however, regular AC maintenance can be the most important factor in the life of your home cooling system.
How often should I have my home cooling system inspected?
Yearly professional inspections are a vital part of keeping your air conditioning system operating at optimal performance levels. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, yearly tune-ups improve comfort and efficiency. Annual home cooling checkups performed by knowledgeable HVAC professionals in Summit will include inspections to detect wear and tear on equipment that might be causing safety hazards or system damage. As with anything, early detection and necessary air conditioner repair will save money in the long run.
Is there any AC maintenance I should be doing on my own?
In order to keep your home cooling system running optimally, there are things you can do on a routine basis, during the summer months especially. (Always be sure to turn off the power to your system before you do any AC maintenance checks.) First, look at the outdoor unit for signs of buildup of dirt and debris. Often outdoor components of a home cooling system will have buildup of leaves and dirt, and these need to be cleaned out routinely. Next, check the filter and clean it monthly in order to keep dirt from getting through the ductwork and components of the system. (For best results, always consult your manual for all AC maintenance information.) Additionally, if you feel you can't perform proper monthly or bi-monthly inspections yourself, contact a professional who is knowledgeable in AC maintenance and repair.
How do I know if I'm purchasing an energy efficient home cooling system?
The best way to know you're investing in an energy efficient air conditioning system is to check the label. Today's energy efficient home cooling systems are superior to yesterday's less efficient models because they use less energy to operate, which means you're spending less money cooling your home in those hot summer months. If you're looking for a new, energy efficient system, look for the ENERGY STAR label. This designation indicates that the system is manufactured by an ENERGY STAR partner, meaning it must be independently tested and certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council to meet stringent energy efficiency guidelines that are set by the U.S. Department of Energy. Professional AC maintenance and repair contractors can help you find the right energy efficient model for your home.
There's no reason to roast in your home when you can have an efficient home cooling system that helps you enjoy the summer in comfort. For more information on AC maintenance and repairs, contact a knowledgeable, licensed professional who can answer all your questions.
What are the different types of air conditioners?
The two most popular types of air conditioners are window units and central air units. Window air conditioners are typically used in single rooms or small apartments. In a window air conditioner, all the components are housed in a single box, making it able to fit in a window. Because one or even two window air conditioners often aren't enough for an entire house to cool multiple rooms at one time, most homeowners these days are opting for central air conditioning units. Central air home cooling systems typically include a large condensing unit that sits on the outside of a home with an evaporating unit that sits in the furnace in order to be connected to the home's existing ductwork. These two units are then connected by refrigerant tubing.
How long should my home cooling system last?
Heating and cooling systems are a big part of a home and a major investment. As reported by the majority of home cooling experts, most home cooling systems have an average life expectancy of 15 to 25 years. Just like with your car, however, regular AC maintenance can be the most important factor in the life of your home cooling system.
How often should I have my home cooling system inspected?
Yearly professional inspections are a vital part of keeping your air conditioning system operating at optimal performance levels. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, yearly tune-ups improve comfort and efficiency. Annual home cooling checkups performed by knowledgeable HVAC professionals in Summit will include inspections to detect wear and tear on equipment that might be causing safety hazards or system damage. As with anything, early detection and necessary air conditioner repair will save money in the long run.
Is there any AC maintenance I should be doing on my own?
In order to keep your home cooling system running optimally, there are things you can do on a routine basis, during the summer months especially. (Always be sure to turn off the power to your system before you do any AC maintenance checks.) First, look at the outdoor unit for signs of buildup of dirt and debris. Often outdoor components of a home cooling system will have buildup of leaves and dirt, and these need to be cleaned out routinely. Next, check the filter and clean it monthly in order to keep dirt from getting through the ductwork and components of the system. (For best results, always consult your manual for all AC maintenance information.) Additionally, if you feel you can't perform proper monthly or bi-monthly inspections yourself, contact a professional who is knowledgeable in AC maintenance and repair.
How do I know if I'm purchasing an energy efficient home cooling system?
The best way to know you're investing in an energy efficient air conditioning system is to check the label. Today's energy efficient home cooling systems are superior to yesterday's less efficient models because they use less energy to operate, which means you're spending less money cooling your home in those hot summer months. If you're looking for a new, energy efficient system, look for the ENERGY STAR label. This designation indicates that the system is manufactured by an ENERGY STAR partner, meaning it must be independently tested and certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council to meet stringent energy efficiency guidelines that are set by the U.S. Department of Energy. Professional AC maintenance and repair contractors can help you find the right energy efficient model for your home.
There's no reason to roast in your home when you can have an efficient home cooling system that helps you enjoy the summer in comfort. For more information on AC maintenance and repairs, contact a knowledgeable, licensed professional who can answer all your questions.