McKinney AC Repair FAQ
1.) How does an air conditioning system actually work to cool the air in my home?
An air conditioning system consists of 2 parts: an outdoor unit (where liquid refrigerant is contained) and an indoor coil (where the refrigerant is pumped into). As the air moves across the air conditioning coil (usually located on top of the furnace), the refrigerant removes the heat from the air as well as the moisture by condensing it on the cold surface of the coil. In this way, an air conditioner not only cools but also dehumidifies the air. Virtually any system can have air conditioning hooked up to it provided that it is a forced air system. In cases where there is not forced air heating or a duct system, we can use “ductless” air conditioning systems to cool an entire home or small business.
2.) What is a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating and what does it mean to you?
AC McKinney uses the SEER standard (Seasonal Energy, Efficiency Ratio), which is the standard measurement of air conditioning efficiency established by the U.S. Department of Energy. What does this mean to you? Higher SEER ratings translate into greater energy efficiency which means lower summer cooling bills. The most important thing to remember is the higher the SEER rating, the more money you save. Why a higher efficiency rating (SEER) saves energy: If your current air conditioner or heat pump is more than 10 years old, it could be operating at lower than 8.00 SEER Compare the estimated annual bill of an 8.00 SEER system to that of a higher SEER, such as a 12.00 or 13.00. For instance, if the annual cooling bill of an 8.00 SEER system in a particular area is $1,000, it would cost only $615 for a 13.00 SEER system to operate at the same capacity in the same area. This is an annual savings of 38%. Now that makes sense, doesn’t it?
3.) Have AC McKinney tune your Air Conditioning system. A tuned-up for the season, will have your AC running at peak efficiency.
Operating at peak efficiency will save money because the system doesn’t have to work as hard to do it’s job.
4.) AC McKinney suggests you replace your furnace or air handler filters on a regular basis.
Lack of regular filter changes and maintenance is the Number 1 cause of system breakdowns and costly repair bills.
5.) Keep the thermostat constant.
Continuously adjusting the thermostat can be very inefficient. AC McKinney suggests you raise the thermostat 2-3 degrees during the day while you’re away to save money. For every degree you raise the setting, you can expect to cut energy consumption by up to 3-5%.
6.) Flip the fan switch on your thermostat into the “fan on” mode when cooling the house.
This process will ensure that air is always being stirred to prevent hot and cold pockets from forming.
7.) Keep the shades and curtains drawn.
This will reduce the radiant heat of the sun.
8.) Install awnings or plant trees that will shade southern facing windows.
AC McKinney recommends where possible this will keep the hottest rays of the sun from shining directly into the house.
9.) Replace older windows with more efficient low-E glass. These windows help to reduce the effect of the suns warming rays. Also, keep storm windows closed.
AC McKinney recommends the above 3 tips because they will reduce the heat load gain on your home. This means your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard to keep the home at a comfortable temperature. This saves money and extends the life of the system.
10.) Install an attic fan to help ventilate some of the hot air out of the attic.
Attics can reach temperatures of 140 – 150 degrees and this build of warm air can make the upstairs of a home warmer than it needs to be. This makes the air conditioner work harder to do it’s job. It costs you more to cool your home and the life of the system can be decreased.
11.) Run a dehumidifier in the basement if the basement is humid.
A damp basement can add moisture to the whole house. With the humidity levels as high as they are around here on their own, you don’t need that! A dehumidifier in the basement will help to reduce the humidity levels in the home, making it more comfortable throughout in the hot summer months.
12.) I have trouble getting even amounts of heat/cooling to certain parts of my house. How can I get more heat/cooling to the upstairs/downstairs of my home?
Adjust the louvers inside the registers on the wall, floor and ceiling in the room where too much heat/cooling is present so that the registers are partially closed. For example, to get more cooling upstairs during hot summer months, partially or fully close the registers downstairs to force more airflow to the upstairs registers.
13.) Clear or cut back shrubs and bushes from the outdoor unit.
AC McKinney recommends that you maintain a clearance of 12-18 inches on the sides of the unit for proper performance.
15.) vents or ducts inside the house.
Don’t block vents or ducts inside the house to assure air flow in the home.
16.) Caulk and install weather stripping around windows and doors (especially the attic) to close air gaps.
Caulk and install weather stripping around windows and doors (especially the attic) to close air gaps.
17.) Whenever possible AC McKinney recommends not using the oven, dishwasher, washing machine during the day.
Avoid using these appliances during the day when electricity demands may be lower and heat from those appliances won’t increase AC demands.