Cleaning Your HVAC System

Posted on: 5 July 2022

Before you hire air conditioning system installation services to install your A/C, it's vital to ask the important questions to ensure that you choose the best system possible for your situation and that you know how to use it properly when it's installed. But if you're not an air conditioning expert, it can be difficult to even know where to begin. Here are five vital questions you should ask your expert.

What size system or capacity is best?

You might not realize that air conditioning systems are offered in different sizes or capacities based on cooling needs. This is a matter of determining the thermal load of the building or home based on the square footage of the space. This is the amount of cooling the machine will need to do for the space. Once the load is determined, you need a machine with the capacity to meet those loads. Your A/C specialist can help you figure out these numbers.

How energy efficient is it?

The costs of energy are climbing every day so many home and business owners are looking for the most energy-efficient cooling systems possible to keep costs down and keep carbon footprints low. Most modern units are already much more energy efficient than previous models but there's still a range of efficiency available indicated by a SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating or seasonal energy efficiency ratio. If efficiency is your top priority, your installation expert can help you determine which unit is best for your needs.

What is the warranty?

The average well-maintained central air conditioning unit has a life span of between 12 and 17 years. A warranty that covers malfunctioning parts is a great option to have available within this time frame. Ask about the warranties on the units you're considering. Be aware that some warranties cover the entire unit and others may cover only certain parts of the unit. 

What can I do to maximize efficiency?

Even if you choose the most energy-efficient machine available, there may be inefficient situations in your home that cause the unit not to function at its best. Your installer can suggest ways to improve efficiency. Some of these might include duct cleaning, more efficient windows, sunlight-blocking drapes, clearing vents of obstructions, or removing heat-creating devices from near the thermostat.

How often should I change the air filter?

The one air conditioning maintenance task that every homeowner can easily perform is changing the filter, yet many still forget. A dirty filter can affect the performance and the efficiency of your unit. Ask for the best time frame for changing the filter on your specific unit.

Contact a local air conditioning installation service to learn more.