Heating and air conditioning faqs

How often do I replace my filters? (click to open / close)

We recommend that you should replace your filters once a month. Washable filters need to be cleaned once a month also. This is especially important living in the Phoenix metropolitan area with the dust and debris that we have in our air. Pet hair also will clog filters very quickly.

What things can I do to help protect my air conditioner?
(click to open / close)

Keep your filters clean. If you have a ground mounted unit, do not stack things on top of unit; keep the area free of weeds, grass, bushes and anything that may restrict the airflow. Pets can be a real hazard; they chew wires and urinate on the equipment causing damage.

Should I have maintenance done on my air conditioner?
(click to open / close)

Yes. Because your unit uses different controls in heating than it does in air conditioning, it is recommended that your heat pump be serviced twice a year for maximum performance.

What is a S.E.E.R. rating and is it important?
(click to open / close)

The S.E.E.R rating or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is the way of measuring the efficiency of your unit. A good way to think of it is miles per gallon of gasoline in your car. The higher the S.E.E.R rating the more energy efficient your unit is.

Should I purchase a larger system then what I currently have? (click to open / close)

In most cases no. The industry standard is 1 ton of cooling per 400 square feet in your home. If you have a unit that is too large it will be cycling on and off more frequently. The unit consumes more power turning on then it does while running. Again it is very similar to your car when it has fast starts and stops.

What should the air temperature be coming out of the registers? (click to open / close)

Depending on the outdoor temperatures and humidity level, this number will fluctuate. The general rule is: 18 to 22 degrees below the outdoor temperature on a warm, dry day. For instance; if the outdoor temperature is 80 degrees with little humidity, the temperature of the air coming into your home will be 58-62 degrees. On mild day with outdoor temperature in the low 70’s or a very humid day the temperature may only be 15 to 17 degrees cooler.

How much will a new unit cost? (click to open / close)

We recommend an in-home no cost proposal for replacement equipment. We will perform a valuation of your needs and your existing equipment. There are many makes, models and applications of units. We will help to guide you to the most cost effective and efficient unit for your needs.

Do I save money by closing the registers and doors of the rooms I am not using? (click to open / close)

No. Your duct work is designed to allow for maximum air flow throughout your home. Your unit will actually work harder when there is an obstruction at the register and air can not flow freely throughout the room.

In the winter my heat pump will make an unusual sound and blow cold air for a short time. Should I shut it off?
(click to open / close)

No. The unit is going through a defrost cycle. With normal operation, frost and ice will accumulate on the outdoor coil. Your unit will go into a defrost cycle to melt this frost/ice from 1 to 10 minutes and then it will resume heating. This is a normal function of the unit. If you turn the unit off it will delay the defrost cycle and the thermostat’s call for heat.

I have allergies. Will an electronic air cleaner help?
(click to open / close)

Yes. There are many types of air cleaners on the market today. Most will help remove pollen, mold spores, animal dander, smoke and dust. They are energy efficient and easy to maintain.

What are the benefits of a programmable thermostat?
(click to open / close)

Energy savings. This thermostat will allow you to program your unit’s operation to your schedule. If routinely no one is home between the hours of 8:00AM to 5:00PM, Monday through Friday you can program the thermostat to cool to a higher temperature and start cooling down one hour prior to your return home. There are four different settings to take advantage of. This thermostat is most effective for those of us that are out of the home on a routine basis.