Find Answers to Common HVAC Questions We Get Asked

Have an HVAC related question? No Sweat Air Conditioning has the answer. Check out these FAQs and give us a call today for more information

Basic HVAC Questions | Maintenance Questions | Repair Questions | Replacement Questions

Basic Questions

How long will my air conditioner last?
Air conditioners can last as long as 15 years if they’re properly maintained. However, neglected air conditioners are expected to develop problems as soon as 7-10 years. If you want to get the most out of your system and delay a new AC install, it is recommended to check your filters monthly and replace them as needed and keep your outdoor unit clean and free of debris. By performing simple maintenance, you can greatly extend the life of your air conditioner and keep it working at its best.

What’s the best temperature to set my thermostat at?
The best temperature for your thermostat is the highest one at which you and your family still feel comfortable. For many people, this point is between 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit; for others, it’s much lower. Try setting the thermostat higher when summer first creeps up, then turn it down until you find a suitable temperature.

How do I maximize my air conditioner’s energy efficiency?
To increase your unit’s energy efficiency, we recommend leaving all air vents unblocked, installing a programmable thermostat, getting your system regularly maintained, and using ceiling fans to help keep rooms feeling cool so you can comfortably turn your thermostat up.

Maintenance Questions

Should I have regular preventative maintenance on my unit?
Yes. Preventative maintenance goes beyond what a typical homeowner is equipped to deal with, including things like checking your refrigerant level and cleaning the evaporator coil. Having a professional examine your air conditioner once or twice a year will also help catch problems while they’re still small and manageable.

How often should I change my air filter?
The number of people and pets living in your home and how frequently you run the air conditioning will affect how often you need to change your filter, but everyone should chec their filters monthly. When the filters are discolored or plugged, they need to be replaced; this is typically 30-90 days after installation. During season where you’re using your air conditioner more frequently, you may need to clean or replace air filters as often as every two weeks.

How do I take care of my outside AC unit?
With the unit turned off, regularly clean vegetation, leaves, and debris out of your air conditioner and hose it down well. By keeping the outdoor unit clean, you’ll maximize its ability to exhaust heat into the environment, making it run more efficiently.

What do I do if my outside air conditioner has bent fins?
If you notice your air conditioner has bent finds on the outside unit, purchase a fin comb designed for air conditioners and gently straighten them. Make sure the unit is off before you attempt this simple procedure.

Repair Questions

What are some of the signs my air conditioner isn’t working properly?
Air conditioners that suddenly start making new noises or producing smells should be checked right away. Other signs that your unit is having problems include:

• Running constantly despite thermostat temperature settings
• Blowing warm air into rooms
• Higher energy bills despite normal usage

Contact No Sweat Air Conditioning if you’re noticing these signs and think you need AC repair or a new AC installation.

What should I check before calling for repair?
Before you call us, check that the air filter isn’t clogged and that the air conditioner is on and set to a temperature that will cause it to cycle. Check if the thermostat is operational as it may be possible the batteries are worn. Check to see if your circuit breaker is tripped and be sure to note if anything smells, looks, or sounds unusual. Then, contact No Sweat Air Conditioning today for your repair or AC installation services.

How cold should my air conditioner be blowing?
The temperature that your air conditioner blows at will depend on the temperature of the air entering the return. Typically, room air should blow out at a temperature between 15-20 degrees cooler than when it went in, but if there’s excess humidity in the air, this rang may vary slightly. Allow your unit to run at least 15 minutes before you compare the return air temperature to the blowing air temperature.

When should I have my air conditioner charged?
Air conditioners are closed systems, meaning that refrigerant should never escape from the system. Therefore, regular charges are unnecessary. The only time you’ll need to charge your air conditioner is if there is a leak present. If you do have a leak, have a professional fix it right away. Contact No Sweat Air Conditioning today for that service and others, such as AC installation.

Why is there water around my indoor air handler?
Indoor air handlers do double duty, removing heat and moisture from the air in one go. They are designed with a small pan to catch the moisture, but occasionally the drain line from the pan may become plugged. If you see water around your indoor air handler, remove the drain line and give it a good cleaning by running bleach or vinegar water through it to help clear out build-up.

What does it mean if my air conditioner freezes up?
Usually, an air conditioner that has frozen is suffering from restricted airflow. Turn the unit off as soon as you notice a problem and check the filter. If it’s pristine, you may have accidentally blocked the air return or have a refrigerant leak. Check your vents before you call a professional out to hunt down a leak.

Replacement Questions

How do I know if it’s time for a new air conditioner?
If your existing air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it is likely that any major repairs needed will be more expensive than a replacement unit. If you’re suddenly receiving higher energy bills, finding your home isn’t cooling as well as it used to, or finding yourself calling a service technician frequently for repairs, it may be time to replace your unit. Contact No Sweat Air Conditioning today for your AC installation.

Can I replace my outdoor unit without replacing the indoor unit?
While it is possible in some cases to replace your outdoor unit only and to leave your indoor unit intact, a mismatched system may cost more energy over time by reducing the efficiency of the new unit dramatically. Changing out your full HVAC system at once offers the best warranty options from manufacturers and ensures all equipment runs on the same type of refrigerant. For maximum performance and efficiency, our best recommendation would be to replace all parts of your air conditioning unit at the same time. Contact No Sweat Air Conditioning today for your replacement services or AC installation.

Will a new air conditioner save me money?
Absolutely. An air conditioner that’s just ten years old may be as much as 60% less efficient than a brand new baseline unit. Today’s energy-efficient models do a lot more cooling with a lot less electricity, keeping operating costs low. Contact No Sweat Air Conditioning today for your new AC install.

Should I buy a bigger unit than the one I’m replacing?
Not necessarily. Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to AC installation. Don’t be tempter to upsize you unit unless you old unit was incorrectly sized to begin with, you’ve added a new room or addition, or you weren’t cooling well to begin with. An oversized unit will run in frequent, short cycles, preventing it from removing humidity properly from your home which may shorten its lifespan. Contact No Sweat Air Conditioning today to learn more.