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Common Central Air Conditioning Questions | HVAC FAQ

8/19/2015

In order to help you understand how your central air conditioning system works and shed some light on some common HVAC problems, we’ve compiled the top questions that homeowners ask about their central HVAC system.

Air Conditioning Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do about my frozen AC?

When your AC freezes up, either inside or at the outdoor unit, you have a problem. When your AC is frozen, you could subject your system to serious damage if it isn’t addressed promptly.

Learn more about fixing your frozen AC »

How do I know it's time for an AC replacement?

An air conditioner can make life comfortable when temperatures climb… however, how do you know when you can no longer rely on your AC system. It is time to “kick it to the curb”? Maybe you’ve noticed it doesn’t seem to cool or run as efficiently as it used to. Like all appliances, your air conditioner won’t last forever.

Many homeowners have a difficult time deciding whether to keep pouring money into their aging air conditioning system for costly repairs or to upgrade to a new, more efficient AC.

Learn more about deciding when to replace your AC »

What kind of air conditioner is right for my home?

Having to choose a new air conditioning system for your home can be a stressful and confusing time. With all the different types of air conditioners on the market, the possibilities may seem overwhelming.

Learn about the 6 different types of air conditioners to choose from.

What's wrong with my noisy air conditioner? Can I fix it myself?

First things first, you shouldn’t attempt to fix your noisy air conditioner on your own! Unless you have professional knowledge of HVAC electrical system layouts and the proper meters to test all the working components of your AC, you are putting yourself and your air conditioner at a significant risk for harm.

Learn more about fixing your noisy air conditioner »

What is dual zone air conditioning?

A dual zone air conditioning system is a network of thermostats and duct dampers that regulates the amount of cooled air each zone (one or more rooms) receives throughout the day. Zoning technology allows homeowners to cool only the occupied areas of living space at any given time or to set different temperatures in different areas of the home.

Learn more about dual zone air conditioning »

What is the best thermostat setting for summer?

Saving money on your monthly electric bills in the summer is important—so what is the best thermostat setting during the hottest season of the year? We recommend keeping your thermostat set to 72 degrees (at the lowest) with the fan set to AUTO rather than ON.

Learn more about the best thermostat setting for summer »

How can I lower my electric bill this summer?

Money is always a big concern for homeowners all over the country—but how can you lower your electric bill this summer without sacrificing comfort? There are a few things you can do to lower your energy usage, from raising the temperature to closing the curtains.

Check out these energy-saving tips and tricks for saving money this summer.

Why is R-22 refrigerant being phased out?

HCFC-22, commonly called R-22, has been a common refrigerant used in residential heat pumps and air conditioners for more than 40 years. But releases of R-22, such as those from leaks, contribute to ozone depletion, and the making of R-22 results in a byproduct that contributes to global warming. This refrigerant is now being phased out by the EPA. As of January 2020, chemical manufacturers are no longer able to produce R-22.

Learn more about the R-22 phaseout »

How does central air work?

Central air conditioning works by moving around air in your home until it reaches your desired temperature. Central air systems pull hot air from your home, work to cool it down by releasing its heat outside, then distribute the newly-cooled air through a system of ducts in your home. That way, every room is reaching the ideal temperature.

Learn more specifics about how your air conditioner works.

How does ductless air conditioning work?

Ductless air conditioners work to cool just one room at a time. Unlike central air conditioning, which cools your entire home via a system of ducts, ductless air conditioning directly releases cool air into a single room. As we mentioned earlier, ductless systems require one outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit. If you want to cool more than just one room but still use ductless air conditioning, you can install up to five indoor units that will all work at the same time together with the singular outdoor unit.

Does an air conditioner take in air from the outside?

No. Air conditioners take heat and humidity out of the air inside your home, then distribute that heat and humidity outside while returning the newly cooled air back to the house. Air conditioners never take air from outside and put it in your home. Instead, they work by cooling down the air that’s already in your home.

Can an air conditioner improve indoor air quality?

Yes, air conditioners can improve air quality. After heat and humidity are absorbed from the air inside your home, the air is filtered for dust, lint, and debris. The heat gets moved outside, but the air that remains and goes back into your home is cleaner than before, resulting in better air quality.

Can I just turn on my air conditioner after winter is over?

After several months of inactivity, your air conditioner will need a little attention before the cooling season kicks into gear. Here are five things to do before turning on the AC after winter. Make sure your AC is ready for the summer heat with these helpful tips.

How to prepare your AC for the summer heat?

The overbearing summer heat is coming, which means that your AC unit will be putting in overtime for the next couple of months to keep your home cool. This tall request requires your system to be in top working order, meaning you should get a routine check-up of the entire unit to ensure everything is working correctly before the brutality of summer catches up with AC maintenance. Luckily, Service Legends has all the tips you need to set your HVAC system up for success!

Learn how to keep your AC running smoothly all summer long.

How to prevent AC copper theft?

Stealing copper is a risky business, mostly because it’s illegal (obviously) but also because it’s very dangerous.  Removing copper wiring or refrigerant tubing can lead to serious shocks or freezer burns from spraying coolant.  That’s why every obstacle between a potential thief and your air compressor is another less-likely theft.

Protect your system with these tips.

Can a boxed fan keep you cool?

Most definitely! A box fan is a great way to save on utilities during the summer with home ventilation. Box fans are an inexpensive and easy way to keep the house cool and maintain a healthy IAQ (indoor air quality) throughout the season. Window fans are a valid alternative for people who live in climates that experience mild summers, unfortunately, they are not compatible with our heat (and often high humidity). But box fans can be used in the same way, for the same effect, and also offer a versatility that the stationary window fans can’t afford. If you are thinking about trying out some box fans for alternative cooling, we’ve compiled a few essential tips for maximizing their value.

Heating and Cooling Des Moines Since 1997

At Service Legends, we take pride in heating and cooling Des Moines and the surrounding areas. Our HVAC services include furnace and air conditioner installation, repairs, maintenance, and tune-ups. Our lineup of Indoor Air Quality solutions includes whole-home humidifiers, air purifiers, and air filtration systems. We can even help with HVAC financing.

Call 515-657-6634 to contact our Home Comfort Heroes today. We’re standing by 24/7.

515-657-6634Request Appointment Online

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