Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2) — A measure of seasonal or annual efficiency of a central air conditioner or air conditioning heat pump. It takes into account the variations in temperature that can occur within a season and is the average number of Btu of cooling delivered for every watt-hour of electricity used by the heat pump over a cooling season.
Q. What is the best temperature for the air conditioner?
The short answer is the temperature at which you are most comfortable. When choosing a temperature remember that your central air conditioner will lower the relative humidity in your home, allowing you to be comfortable at a higher temperature. During the winter you might find 72°F, but in the summer you’ll probably be comfortable at 76-78°F.
Q. What is the life expectancy of a typical air conditioner?
Life expectancy is one of those things that will vary widely from location to location. Obviously a air conditioning units in warm climates will probably need to be replaced more frequently than units in cooler climates.
Q. Why do I need a high efficiency filter? Can't I just buy those cheap ones at our Home Center?
Cheap filters are exactly that; you get what you pay for. Most high efficiency furnaces and central air conditioners should be equipped with a high efficiency filter. This will prevent unnecessary service and cleanings to the coils. The high efficiency filters will last longer, will alleviate some allergy problems, and limit the need for frequent dusting.
Q. What exactly is a BTU?
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit and is the internationally agreed upon standard for measuring heat. The room size that correlates with each BTU size air conditioner is stated with each product listing. Keep in mind this is the recommended room size under average conditions. Warmer climates, houses with less insulation, cinderblock construction, kitchens, and vaulted ceilings all increase the needed BTUs.
Q. What is going on with the Freon in my home air conditioner?
The federal government has phased out R22 refrigerant that we have used for the last 50 years. R22 is no longer available in our country, we simply can’t get it and no imports are being allowed. R22 air conditioning units are no longer being manufactured and the new R410A cannot be used on the old R22 units. If someone has a R22 system then they need to start thinking about replacing it.
Q. What does it mean if my air conditioner or heat pump is low on Freon?
If your system is low on Freon then it has a leak. These are sealed systems and if they are low they have a leak it is as simple as that. If your system is only 10% low on Freon it will lose 30% of its capacity. We can find all refrigerant leaks and many of them are repairable but some are not and the system may need to be replaced.
