Here in Texas, central air conditioners get a workout! Many of us don’t realize how much we depend on our A/Cs. They work during spring, summer, and part of the fall. We don’t usually see a drop in temperatures until late October, and on rare occasions, we might turn our air conditioners on in the winter, too! So, it’s not uncommon for us at JPH Mechanical to receive calls throughout the year from our customers requesting ac repair. That’s great for us, because we love what we do!
CENTRAL A/C – KEY TO OUR COMFORT
Central air conditioners are the key to our comfort most of the year, and they offer us a convenient way to cool our homes. Thermostat controls allow us to select the specific temperature that feels best for us, but besides that, do you know much about them? The U.S. Department of Energy posted this informative article on central A/Cs, what they are and what they do for you.
Important Facts From the Article:
– Central ducts running through the walls of your home carry cool air from the A/C system to your home through openings in your walls called registers.
– As the air circulates through your home, it becomes warmer and then is carried back to the ac system to be re-cooled.
– The 2 types of central A/C units are split system units and packaged units.
– Central A/C systems are more efficient than a room air conditioner.
– The newer the model, the more efficient the system.
– Replacing an entire system at once, rather than replacing only parts, means the highest level of efficiency and lower energy costs for your home.
– When you shop for a new system, pay attention to the SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio). Today, the minimum standard is 13 SEER. The higher the SEER, the higher the efficiency.
– Pay attention to your coil. Condenser and evaporator coils should be of the same age to insure proper functioning of your system.
– If a system is not installed correctly, efficiency is compromised. So, it is important that an experienced professional installs your central AC.
MAINTAINING YOUR CENTRAL A/C
CHANGE THE FILTERS – To keep you central A/C in top condition, we recommend changing the filters regularly – once or twice a month during periods of high use. If you have pets, more frequent replacement is recommended. Filters are located in the walls and ceilings.
CHECK COIL – Check for leaves or debris near the opening of your coil on your A/C unit. Trim bushes or keep foliage away from your condenser area.
REGULAR SERVICE & MAINTENANCE – Scheduling regular service, whether it be on a season basis or monthly basis, helps you be confident that you are doing what you can to keep your A/C functioning properly. A proactive approach to testing and servicing your equipment means that you can in many instances, address small issues before they become a big problem.
