Frequently Asked Questions About Air Conditioning in Delaware & Maryland
Provided by the Air Conditioning Experts at First Class Heating & A/C
At First Class Heating and A/C, we know everything about air conditioning, but we don’t expect you to. Air conditioning is somewhat complicated and has a lot of components to it. The average homeowner cares the most about the bottom line: whether their A/C works properly and doesn’t cost too much to operate. As the air conditioning specialists in Millsboro, DE, we’ve prepared some answers to the questions we receive most frequently. Be sure to contact our team if you have any additional questions or need air conditioning service.
What is HVAC?
HVAC is a common abbreviation for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It refers to the system that provides cooling services to residential and commercial buildings. HVAC provides thermal comfort, humidity control, and indoor air quality. There are many parts to an HVAC system, and First Class Heating and A/C provides the comprehensive solutions you need.
How Long Will My Air Conditioner Last?
It’s impossible to know precisely how long your air conditioner will last, but there are general guidelines about the lifespan of HVAC units. With proper routine maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 to 18 years on average. Factors impacting the unit include how often you use it and the quality of the installation.
Can I Improve My A/C’s Energy Efficiency?
Yes. The best way to improve your air conditioner’s energy efficiency is to invest in a more energy-efficient HVAC unit. If this isn’t an option and you have an older AC system, be sure to change your air filters regularly. You should also have your system’s coils cleaned and get regular tune-ups from First Class Heating and A/C.
When Should I Replace My A/C Unit?
In a way, air conditioners are like vehicles. If they’re not getting good gas mileage and are constantly needing repairs, it makes sense to replace them. The same holds true with your air conditioner. If you’re spending a lot of time and money having it repaired or your monthly bills have been steadily increasing, it makes sense to have it replaced with a new, more energy-efficient unit. First Class Heating and A/C can determine whether repair or replacement would be your best option.
Why is My HVAC Making Noises?
A noisy air conditioner is a good indication of needing a system assessment by our professional and experienced team. Loud noises from your air conditioner can stem from a variety of problems. It may be as simple as some loose screws, or you may need larger parts like the evaporator coil or compressor replaced. It’s best to leave the job to the professionals at First Class Heating and A/C, and we’d be happy to check out your A/C issues.
Why is My AC Unit Blowing Hot Air?
It’s easy to ignore someone full of hot air, but you should never overlook an air conditioner with this problem. Sometimes this is caused by the A/C not running at all. Instead, you may be feeling the fan on by itself. Check your thermostat to ensure your A/C setting is turned to “auto” and not “on” or “off.” If this easy fix doesn’t work, it’s time to call in the professionals at First Class Heating and A/C. In the meantime, if part of your HVAC unit is outside, check to ensure it’s not covered in dirt, debris, or leaves restricting its airflow. Our team will be at your home quickly to check the condenser coil to ensure it has unrestricted airflow. From there, we’ll troubleshoot until we get to the root of the problem.
Why is My Air Conditioner Only Blowing Softly?
If you’re not noticing much air coming out of your vents, the issue is likely related to low airflow running over the evaporator coil. Common reasons for this include leaky ductwork, a dirty air filter, or a broken fan blower. Try replacing your filter, and if the problem is not fixed, give us a call.
Can I Make My Air Conditioner More Energy Efficient?
There are ways to save money while keeping your home comfortable during the summer. Try keeping your home a bit warmer than normal while you’re away for extended periods. It’s recommended to set your thermostat to about 80 degrees. Once you return home, lower the temperature to about 78 degrees. This is much easier if you have a programmable thermostat. You can set your HVAC system to come on less while you’re away and keep you cooler when you’re at home. You’ll likely notice savings on monthly energy bills by doing this. Programmable thermostats can save you up to 25% on cooling costs. Be sure your thermostat is not installed in an area where temperatures can easily fluctuate. Air conditioners are not designed to cool down your home in a manner of minutes. It’s not recommended you turn your system completely off while you’re away because it will have to work extra hard when you get home and turn it back on to reach the desire cool levels.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Smell Funny?
If you’ve noticed a musty or mildew smell coming from your air conditioner, some component is likely dirty or clogged. Funny odors from your HVAC unit can also be caused by unsealed ductwork. The team at First Class Heating and A/C can figure out why your A/C smells funny and take care of any issues to get it back to normal.
How Often Should I Change My AC Filter?
Some say to change your air filter at least once every six months, while many say to do so every three months. The air inside your home circulates and re-circulates through the filter that removes dust particles to keep the air clean. When your filter becomes clogged, it can make your system work less efficiently, leading to higher operating costs. Your system could even fail if you leave your filter unchanged for too long. If filters for your HVAC system are relatively inexpensive, you can change them as much as once a month.
How Often Should I Have My HVAC Serviced?
It’s essential to get regular HVAC tune-ups twice a year. You should have the unit serviced before the heating season and again before the cooling system. Tune-ups can be scheduled at any time, and a preventative maintenance contract from First Class Heating and A/C will ensure your system is running efficiently all year long.
Does My A/C Unit Need to be Repaired or Replaced?
If your HVAC system is at least seven years old and has needed frequent repairs, you should consider replacing it. Other times when it’s necessary to replace your A/C system include if it stops working or fails to cool all areas of your home. Replacement is also often needed if the system runs excessively, constantly turns on and off, or results in high utility bills. The best thing to do is to call in the professional team at First Class Heating and A/C. We’ll provide a thorough HVAC inspection and assessment and recommend your best option.
What is Indoor Air Quality?
Indoor air quality is a phrase referring to the air quality within and around your home or commercial building in Millsboro, DE. It relates to the health and comfort of those occupying the building. The average American spends most of their time indoors, which is why breathing healthy air indoors is critical. Indoor air pollution is more common than most people think and has the same adverse health effects as environmental pollution. First Class Heating and A/C can test your indoor air quality and has a variety of products and services designed to make your air cleaner.
What is a Ductless A/C System?
A ductless system can provide a cost-effective alternative when ducted equipment would not be feasible. Using a ductless A/C system can save you money by reducing energy consumption. Our team installs Mr. Slim ductless air conditioning units by Mitsubishi. These units can be placed strategically throughout your home or business and can be hidden within the ceiling or interior walls, so there’s no need for ugly ducting. Ductless systems are also effective at improving indoor air quality by reducing dirt and debris.
Why Should I Choose First Class Heating and A/C?
You can count on First Class Heating and A/C for air conditioning installations and replacement, repair, ductless systems, air conditioning maintenance, and preventative maintenance. In addition, we also provide heating, plumbing, water treatment, and crawl space service. As a local and fully licensed company, we’ve built a strong foundation on honesty and integrity. We’ve been serving residents of Millsboro, DE and the Greater Delmarva area for more than 40 years. Whether you need a brand new air conditioning system or you’re looking to save money by making your HVAC more energy-efficient, you can count on our team of experienced professionals to get the job done right. Contact us today to learn more or schedule service.