Heating and Air Questions and Answers

At Air Control Heating and Air, we have all the answers to your heating and air questions. Trust our experience to get you the answers you need quickly. Contact us for your HVAC repair, installation, or service appointment today.

Heating and Air Questions

How do I know if I need my AC serviced?

Like any other piece of machinery, your AC system needs to be maintained regularly to function properly.  We recommend two planned maintenance visits per year. Once in the spring and the second in the fall.  Two appointments will allow us to prepare the system before the most challenging times, summer and winter.  Planned maintenance will help identify any issues that your system may have before they become huge.  Maintaining your system keeps it ready to run efficiently. It also saves you money on future repair costs and energy usage. Call, text, or click here to schedule your planned maintenance service with us today.

What is done during AC maintenance?

We offer three residential maintenance plans to cover a full range of your home comfort system and appliance needs, including dryer vent cleaning and water heater maintenance. Our residential maintenance plans are the bronze plan, silver plan, and gold plan. Each plan includes two tune-ups, one in the spring and one in the fall, using an 18-point system check, two 1-inch filter replacements, one refrigerant leak check, and you also receive a 10% discount on repairs, parts, and labor priority repair service and a minimum 5-year parts warranty. The silver and gold maintenance plans include additional benefits and can be found by click here.  Each plan is priced per system in your home and can be paid yearly or divided into monthly payments.

Air Control Heating and Air also offer a commercial maintenance plan. The commercial maintenance plan is platinum level and includes two tune-ups, one in the spring and one in the fall using our 18-points system check, two 1-inch filter replacements, one refrigerant leak check. You also receive a 10% discount on repairs, priority repair service, and a minimum 5-year parts warranty. To request Maintenance text or click here.

When should I replace my air conditioner?

A properly maintained air conditioner system will last for years to come, however just like everything else, there comes a time when it’s going to need to be replaced. Here are four things that you need to consider when looking to replace your home comfort system.

Modern air conditioning systems can last 15 to 20 years, however, older ones have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. Even though you may have kept up with the planned maintenance on your system, the system’s efficiency and availability of parts become an issue as it gets older. So, if your unit is over ten years old, you should start preparing to purchase a new system.

Another thing to be on the lookout for is if your air conditioning system frequently breaks down. If your system requires multiple repairs despite regular maintenance, it may be time for a replacement. The cost of repairs can add up, and at a certain point, it may be more economical to purchase a new air conditioner system rather than sinking money into expensive repairs of an old system, especially if the warranty has expired.

Other signs you should replace your air conditioner

As systems become older, the efficiency of the unit goes down.  If you have a sudden change in your home’s energy usage, it could be a sign that your system is not working effectively. Receiving a high energy bill once or twice isn’t a cause for alarm, however, if your energy bills go up and don’t come down, you might start looking for a new air conditioner system. New high-efficiency systems have variable speeds that cool and heat your home more effectively, thus saving you money.

The last indicator that your air conditioner system may need replacement is if it uses R22 freon. Starting January 1st, 2020, R22 freon will no longer be used in the United States.  R22 freon is harmful to the environment, and US Environmental Protection Agency is phasing it out of use. If your air conditioning uses R22 freon and has a breakdown after 2020, it may be challenging to get the freon for replacement, and when you do find R22, it’s going to be expensive.

If you believe your home comfort system needs replacement, give Air Control Heating and Air a call at 770-667-5300, text, or Click here.

Why is my AC running but not cooling?

The reason your AC system is not running but not cooling could be something as simple as a thermostat set incorrectly to a more complex situation. The first thing is to check your thermostat and make sure it’s set to cool.  Turn the system on, and after it kicks on, wait a few minutes to check to see if cold air is blowing from the registers.

A dirty air filter is another reason your AC could be running but not cooling.  It can block the airflow and reduce cooling to your home, and in more extreme cases, it can even cause the system to shut down completely.

Your condenser unit could also be blocked.  The exterior of the condensing unit features a large outdoor coil that wraps around most of the way of the outside of the unit.  If your AC is running but not cooling, one of the issues could be blocked or clogged condenser coils.  A dirty coil can lead to reduced energy efficiency, lack of cool air from the registers, or in extreme cases, a complete system shutdown or damage to the compressor from overuse.

Other reasons your AC may be running but not cooling

Another reason your AC would be running but not cooling could be that the evaporator coil is frozen.  Signs of frozen evaporator and coil include frost forming on the copper refrigerant tubing coming from the coil cabinet on the inside, inadequate cooling, higher utility bills, excessive condensate drainage near your indoor unit, frost forming on exterior refrigerant tubing or the outdoor unit. Resolving issues with the frozen evaporator coil is best handled by an HVAC professional.

The last reason that your AC unit could be running but not cooling could be due to a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is a chemical that is critical to the cooling process. It flows through the system. Changing from liquid to a gaseous form, drawing heat energy and humidity from indoor air, and releasing it outside is its main purpose. A reduction in a refrigerant in the system can contribute to the AC system not blowing cold air. It may also cause it to run for more extended periods and can cause damage or failed compressor and a complete system shutdown.

How do SEER ratings work?

The SEER measures air conditioning and heat pump cooling efficiency. This is calculated by the cooling output for a typical cooling season divided by the total electric energy input during the same time frame. The current minimum standard SEER rating is 14.3 for air conditioners. Many modern air conditioners have a SEER rating range from 14.3 to 21. To be an Energy Star qualified air conditioning system, it must have a SEER rating of 15.2. The higher the SEER rating, the higher the level of comfort and the lower monthly energy costs your home comfort system will have.

While SEER ratings are an important factor when buying an air conditioner, it’s also necessary to consider:

  • Your budget
  • The size of your home
  • The size of the air conditioning unit and its handling capacity
  • Your geographical area’s climate
  • How much time do you spend at home
  • How long do you plan to use your AC every day
  • What temperatures do you prefer
  • Quiet operations
  • Ease of maintenance
  • Lifetime cost, including energy, maintenance, and repairs
  • The unit quality and life expectancy
  • The manufacturer
  • Warranty terms
  • With the implementation of SEER ratings, air conditioners have become more energy-efficient and earth-friendly. This creates a win-win situation for everyone. If you’re planning on a new home comfort system installation, get in touch with the experts and Air Control Heating and Air at 770-667-5300, text, or Click here.  Schedule your free estimate of a new home comfort system today.

Roswell, GA Heating and Air Questions

Trust the local choice in Roswell, GA for answers to all your heating and air questions, Air Control Heating and Air. We are here to serve you. Contact us today!