Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I check my filter?
Whether you have disposable, pleated, electrostatic, or electronic filters, one thing they all have in common: they must be kept clean! This is the most common cause for pre-mature failure of air conditioners. You should check them monthly and clean or replace them when it is apparent they are no longer allowing air to pass through them freely.

2. I pay for a service tech to check my heating and air system two times a year. I don’t need to be concerned about filter changes, do I?
In order to keep the inside of your HVAC system clean, regular filter changes are required more often than 6 months. Imagine 6 months of dirt ,debris ,dog hair, virus germs, pollen and who knows what else in your filter. Change or clean your filters regularly. Check them monthly, if you find that it’s dirty, go ahead an replace it. Depending on many variables, 1 filter may last up to 3 months.

3. What is SEER?
The Department of Energy requires an efficiency rating of all air conditioning equipment. A Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. The basic SEER rating is 13, this is the basic efficiency, higher efficiency units will be rated at 14, 15, 16 and even 18.

4. What is AFUE?
Similar to SEER, the AFUE, The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rates the percentage of actual heat being produced maintained in the conditioned area.

5. Should my outdoor unit be covered in winter?
No. Air conditioners are made to last for years in the outdoors. It’s nearly impossible to predict Atlanta’s strange weather. If you turn your air conditoner on and forget to uncover it, you could cause serious damage. Heat pumps run nearly year round, and also do not need to be covered.

6. Can shrubs and flowers be planted around an outdoor unit?
Yes. However it is recommended that plants be no closer than 18" from the coiled sides of the unit and 36" from the service door, to allow ample room for routine maintenance.

7. Should the thermostat settings be positioned to the "auto" or the "on" position?
When you place the thermostat to the auto position, the fan will cycle on when the heat or cool mode comes on. When the fan is placed in the on position, the fan runs continuously. "Auto" is the most desirable setting. It’s beneficial when an even temperature throughout the house is desired and it also reduces airborne dust and pollen. "On" will run your electrical bill up with no benefit.

8. How long should an air conditioner last?
The average life of an air conditioner/ heat pump in the sub-tropic climate of the Atlanta, GA area is between 10 and 15 years, depending on a variety of particulars such as, care, usage, and probably the most important, a correct installation from the beginning. In northern climates an air conditioner will last longer, simply because they have a much shorter cooling season. On the other hand, our furnaces seem to outlast the furnaces in the north.

9. I have a very old air conditioner, but it still runs well. When is the best time to replace it?
A new air conditioner can save you as much as 50%-60% of the energy consumed by your old unit. You as the home owner must make the final decision. The new units are designed to remove humidity as well as perform quietly and efficiently.