A/C Contractors Blog

If you are looking to upgrade an existing system or install a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, you may be wondering how to choose an HVAC contractor. Additionally, you will need to find an HVAC contractor for routine maintenance and repairs if you have an existing HVAC system. Here are five things to consider when choosing an HVAC contractor. 1. Licensing and Experience Proper licensing and level of experience are some of the most important factors to consider when trying to find a good air conditioning contractor. While licensing is vital, you will also want to look at the contractor’s overall experience level. A longer track record of experience can help you select a contractor who is more familiar with evaluating a home and installing HVAC systems. An HVAC contractor with a stable business and a proven track record of success is often a great candidate. Experience as an HVAC contractor usually indicates that these professionals understand system installation and preventive HVAC maintenance. In addition to licensing and experience, you may also want to consider asking a potential contractor about any additional certifications, awards or recognitions that they might have. 2. Respect for You and Your Home Choosing the right HVAC contractor means you know these professionals will respect you and your home throughout the project. From the initial evaluation to installation, an HVAC contractor will be working in your home, so it is vital to know that they will treat your home with the utmost respect. Respect and professionalism are both necessary elements the right HVAC contractor should have. 3. Reviews and Referrals Reviews, referrals and references are an excellent way to learn about previous clients and their experience with an HVAC contractor. Positive reviews and referrals can be a valuable thing to consider when choosing an HVAC company. Online review sites are another good resource to learn about customers’ experiences with the HVAC contractor. When deciding how to choose an air conditioning contractor, you will want to consider various aspects of their work ethic. Efficiency: While no HVAC contractor should ever sacrifice the quality of work to finish quickly, you will want to ensure that your HVAC contractor can work productively and efficiently. Efficiency is essential to any project in your home, especially if you have a strict deadline or time that you need to have your HVAC system up and running. Quality of work: One of the most important metrics to consider is the overall quality of their work. If most previous clients are happy with the work this contractor has done, this can be a great indicator of a reputable HVAC contractor. We recommend you compare multiple reviews and see if you can find a common theme, such as a high level of professionalism or always being on time. Common themes throughout several reviews or referrals can show the company values these aspects and strives to provide them for every customer. Price transparency: Another factor to consider is the projected price a previous customer was quoted compared to what they actually paid. If a company is clear, open and transparent about its pricing, it can alleviate the concern of being charged more than you expect. Proper price quoting allows you to understand the exact cost of installing a specific system in your home. Overall communication: Communication is a critical aspect of any business and can affect the quality of service. You will want to consider how prompt a contractor is in returning calls or emails. The overall level of communication can help you determine if an HVAC contractor is right for you. 4. Price When you’re trying to choose a good HVAC contractor, you’ll likely want to consider the total price for their services. Transparent pricing helps you understand the exact price you will have to pay before a contractor starts work on your project. You’ll also want to know if a contractor charges by the project or per hour. High-quality HVAC contractors offer straightforward pricing before starting your project and never charge by the hour. In addition to standard pricing, find out if an HVAC contractor is holding any specials, rebates or promotions for their services. An HVAC system is an essential part of your home that can be expensive. It’s always best to compare pricing and take advantage of any promotions or energy-efficient rebates available. 5. Energy Efficiency Energy efficiency is an essential aspect to consider when choosing a new HVAC system. An energy-efficient HVAC system can provide proper heating and cooling to your home while using less energy, saving you money in the long term. Many utility companies offer special rebates if you install an energy-efficient HVAC system. Research shows that replacing a 10-year-old air conditioning unit can help save 20% to 40% of your cooling energy costs. An energy-efficient HVAC system also provides the following benefits: Fewer emissions: When a system consumes more energy to function, it causes a higher rate of direct carbon emissions. Inefficient HVAC systems can cost you more money to heat and cool your home and can also harm the environment. Energy-efficient HVAC systems can have a long-term positive impact on your energy bill while also being a more environmentally friendly option. Ozone-friendly: Many older and less efficient HVAC systems have been phased out because they use a refrigerant that damages the ozone layer and can contribute to climate change. Newer or retrofitted HVAC systems use ozone-friendly refrigerants to cool your home without harming the ozone layer. Improved airflow: Many energy-efficient HVAC systems feature motors with variable speeds to ensure that the air flows at a comfortable and improved level throughout your home. Improved airflow provides better control over your home’s temperature in each room and provides cleaner, crisper air. Reduced noise: Older HVAC systems may have loose parts or begin to rattle or hum when in use. Modern HVAC systems use sound-absorbing materials to ensure minimal noise when in use. A high-quality HVAC system is quiet while providing climate control and excellent ventilation.

An A/C compressor is responsible for removing heat from the air so your living space can be comfortable all year long. This component of your HVAC system should last approximately 10 years with the proper maintenance. However, since it’s outside, it’s vulnerable to wear and tear over time. Use this HVAC compressor life expectancy guide to learn how to prolong its life span. Average Life Span of an A/C Compressor An A/C compressor should last about a decade — slightly less than how long the overall HVAC unit lasts. However, the following factors affect the average life of your A/C compressor: Maintenance: You should schedule professional maintenance for your air conditioner at least once a year. By cleaning and caring for your cooling and heating system, you can diagnose issues with any of the components, including the A/C compressor, so you can repair them before the whole system fails. However, your A/C compressor could break down prematurely if you haven’t maintained it properly. A/C compressor usage: Using your A/C unit too much will wear down on the A/C compressor and cut its life span short. You can also reduce its life expectancy by using it too little. The motor and pistons that transport the refrigerant throughout the system can stop working if you don’t use them regularly. Refrigerant leak: The A/C compressor needs enough refrigerant to keep the air cool. You normally don’t need to replace the refrigerant because it stays within the condenser unit. A refrigerant leak is an issue that requires professional assistance. The unit’s size: Your air conditioner should be the correct size for the space that it needs to cool, or it’ll have to work harder to make the area a comfortable temperature. A unit that’s too small causes the compressor to work harder to produce cold air. On the other hand, a unit that’s too large repeatedly shuts on and off to prevent overcooling the area, which also puts additional strain on the compressor. Should You Replace the A/C Compressor or the Whole Unit? Since an A/C compressor is such a critical component of your A/C, it might be worth it to replace the whole unit if the compressor breaks. However, in some cases, it’s better to replace only the faulty compressor. Consider the following factors to determine whether you can change out your A/C compressor or should install a brand-new unit: The air conditioner’s age: You can replace your A/C compressor if the overall unit is relatively new. Warranties often cover a new A/C compressor if you schedule professional maintenance at least once a year, so you might be able to get this component replaced for free. However, if the air conditioner is more than a decade old anyway, it only has a few good years left before it also starts to wear down, so it might be a good time to upgrade to a new one. The cost of repairs or replacement: You might want to save money by replacing your A/C compressor instead of upgrading the whole unit. Keep in mind that it might be better to replace your air conditioner if you’ve been having issues with it over the past few years, such as refrigerant leaks, unusual noises when it’s on and sporadic cooling. A full air conditioner replacement will help you save money on future repairs. The history of repairs on your air conditioner: An air conditioner that has given you trouble over the last few years might not be worth keeping. As it gets older, it’ll start to have more problems, and more parts will break down. You can replace your A/C compressor if the overall unit hasn’t had any issues, but if you frequently need repairs, it’s probably better to get a new air conditioner. The cost of energy bills: A new air conditioner can reduce your cooling costs over time. As your unit starts to wear down, on the other hand, you’ll notice your energy bills slowly begin to increase. Instead of trying to save money by replacing only the A/C compressor, you may want to replace your whole unit to reduce your utility expenses in the long run. Besides replacing the A/C compressor or the whole unit, you might also want to replace the outdoor condenser unit. However, since HVAC technology has advanced so quickly, it might be challenging to retrofit a new condenser to the rest of your HVAC system. As a result, you may need to replace the whole A/C unit if you decided that replacing your A/C compressor isn’t worth it. How to Increase the Life of Your A/C Compressor You can avoid repairing or replacing your A/C compressor by taking care of your whole HVAC system. Besides increasing its life span, maintaining your air conditioner reduces monthly A/C costs. Even though you should schedule professional annual tune-ups, you can also follow these steps for taking care of your air conditioner on your own: Inspect the A/C unit: Since an A/C compressor works with the rest of your air conditioner, you should check the whole system for damage or signs of wear. The refrigerant lines and insulation should be in excellent condition so they don’t cause excessive wear on the system’s compressor. Clear debris from drain lines: When steam condenses into water within your drain lines, mold and mildew may develop. Use a stiff brush to remove any blockages, and use a vinegar solution for stubborn substances. Remove obstructions around the condenser: Eliminate debris or foliage near your condenser unit that could block airflow and put additional strain on your air conditioner. You can also clean dirt off the outside of the condenser with a garden hose. Clean the condenser coils: Wipe dust and other debris off your condenser coils at least once every two weeks so your A/C compressor works efficiently. Replace the air filter: Dirty or clogged air filters may cause your A/C compressor to work harder to bring cool air into your living space. Change the air filter at least once a month to allow air to flow freely through the system. Engage the high-pressure switch: Your A/C compressor has a

No one wants their A/C unit failing on a humid, 90-degree day or their furnace breaking down on a freezing night, and if you’re like many homeowners, you hope these things never happen. However, there’s a way to ensure your HVAC system rarely stops working — with regular, professional maintenance. Read on to learn about the value of HVAC preventive maintenance, the benefits it provides and how often you should schedule it. What Is HVAC Preventive Maintenance? There’s a wide range of HVAC maintenance tasks. Nearly any homeowner can handle some of these, while it’s best to leave others to professionals. Fundamental upkeep almost any homeowner can perform to keep their HVAC system running includes tasks like: Changing air filters every one to three months Washing electrostatic filters, if you have them Removing debris from the outside A/C unit Spraying the unit down with a hose if it’s dirty Ensuring rugs or furniture aren’t blocking registers However, the average homeowner may struggle to complete other crucial maintenance. Some responsibilities require specialized knowledge and tools that only experienced technicians have. Here are some chores you should let professionals handle. Tightening electrical connections: A loose connection poses the risk of shorting out the whole unit, which can cause damage. Examining the condensate drain: An A/C unit produces condensation when it runs. While this condensation usually runs to an outside drain, in some cases, these drains become clogged with debris or sludge. Lubricating moving parts: Intense friction can make units overheat, which can lead to failure. Lubrication of the moving components allows things to move smoothly, thereby lowering electricity consumption and your electric bills. Cleaning and adjusting the blower: Blower issues can significantly decrease your equipment’s efficiency. With a properly adjusted blower, you will get enough airflow and feel more comfortable. Checking the refrigerant: An overcharged A/C unit could end up costing much more than is necessary to cool the house. An undercharged system generally indicates a leak. A professional HVAC technician can search for this and fix any flaws they find. Checking fuel lines: Inadequate oil or gas connections can be a fire hazard and may cause health issues. If fumes can make their way into your house, you need to get your connections tightened. The above tasks are all generally performed during a preventive maintenance service. Are HVAC Preventive Maintenance Programs Worth It? Yes, they are. Think of your A/C and furnace like your car — if you get it tuned up regularly, you can avoid emergency breakdowns and extend its life expectancy, which will save you tons of money in the long run. Some choose to forego maintenance programs with the hope of saving money, but regularly having your HVAC equipment tuned up is less expensive than having to pay a substantial repair bill down the road. Importance of HVAC Preventive Maintenance This section will provide more detail on why HVAC preventive maintenance programs are so advantageous for homeowners. Here are the top five reasons. Longer lifespan: Maintenance is critical for prolonging your HVAC system’s lifespan. Well-maintained A/C units and furnaces can function reliably for as long as 20 years. Opting for a preventive maintenance program can save you money and time in the long run. Comfort and safety: During your service appointments, an HVAC professional will clean out your system and examine the internal components. Their checklist often includes such tasks as inspecting the air conditioner and furnace, carbon monoxide testing and replacing filters. Technicians will explain what they’ve found and work to fix the problem on the spot. Improved air quality: All air in your house travels through a filter. A simple change of this filter removes trapped debris, dirt and allergens from the home. If you have a high-efficiency filter that lasts a year or more, you can have this changed during your yearly HVAC maintenance service. However, if you have disposable one-inch filters, you should change those every month. Reduced energy costs: Getting your HVAC system inspected by a professional will ensure that it continues to work at maximum efficiency. If you don’t have it thoroughly cleaned every year, you may negatively impact the unit’s energy efficiency — sometimes by a surprisingly significant amount. Keeping your system in top shape is the most effective way to lower your energy bills. Dependable operation: A broken A/C system can be miserable on hot, humid days, and a heater failure can be life-threatening in colder weather. Regularly having your HVAC system maintained minimizes the chance of your unit breaking down prematurely, and that peace of mind is priceless. How Often Do You Need HVAC Maintenance? We recommend scheduling a professional HVAC system inspection annually. If you have a furnace or an air conditioner, you should have each of these units maintained once a year. The time of year you get these inspections is also essential. For the best possible service experience, we recommend that you have your heater inspected in the fall, which will ensure it’s ready for the cold weather. During the warmer months of the year, your furnace is idle, allowing dust and dirt to build up in all the system’s components and preventing it from operating at its best. If you start using your furnace in the fall without cleaning its fans correctly, the dust and dirt will come back into your house. It’s smart to leave thorough furnace cleaning to HVAC professionals, as this job is messy and hazardous, and doing it improperly could damage the system. Likewise, you should have your cooling system inspected in the springtime, which will ensure it can keep you cool through summer’s heat. This inspection includes cleaning out debris from the outside unit’s cooling coils, as clogged coils are the main reason A/C units fail during the hottest months. If you use a heat pump for heating and cooling, have it inspected twice a year — once in the spring, once in the fall. Call A/C Contractors for All Your HVAC Needs We are a full-service A/C and heating contractor and can install and service complete air conditioning, heating

Table of Contents What Is a Single-Zone HVAC System? What Is a Multi-Zone HVAC System? Single-Zone vs. Multi-Zone HVAC Systems One room’s too cold and another too hot — you need better temperature control for your home. HVAC systems give you the comfort and control you want. But as you look into adding one to your home, you’ll find yourself wondering if you should choose single-zone or multi-zone AC. Both options come with their own benefits, but ultimately, the one you should choose will depend on your specific situation. If you aren’t sure which HVAC system you need, we’re here to help. Consider your home and needs and compare single-zone versus multi-zone HVAC systems with the below guide. What Is a Single-Zone HVAC System? A single-zone HVAC system serves one area or room of your home. How does a single-zone HVAC system work? With a single unit, this system provides the same cooling or heating throughout an area to adjust the temperature. You could use a single-zone HVAC if: You have an addition: When you add on to your house, the new area won’t be connected to the rest of your home’s HVAC. A single-zone system helps cool, heat and ventilate the new area. You have an area that needs extra control: Your current HVAC system may under-serve some areas of your home. Attics and other rooms may be hotter or colder than you like. A single-zone system helps you better control those spots. You have a garage or workshop: Some homeowners condition the air in a garage or workshop with a single-zone HVAC system instead of a window unit. Then, you can still use your windows for airflow while maintaining the temperature and ventilation. You have a small home: Small cabins or other small homes may only need a single-zone system to stay comfortable. That’ll depend on the capacity of the system you’re considering. Just ensure you have adequate airflow with fans to distribute the air throughout your home. What Is a Multi-Zone HVAC System? A multi-zone HVAC system lets you cool, heat or ventilate multiple rooms in your home. But how does a multi-zone HVAC system work? Multiple units go throughout your home to serve different rooms or areas. You get independent control of the spaces within your house with this system because it creates different zones. You may want a multi-zone HVAC system if: You have a large or multilevel home: With multiple levels or large square footage, your home needs more than one HVAC unit. A multi-zone system can accommodate most or all of the rooms and spaces of a larger house. You have rooms with different needs: If an area of your house needs to be cooled more, like the kitchen, and other rooms need to be heated, like bedrooms, a multi-zone system helps you make those adjustments. You live in an old house: An old house makes it challenging to install new ductwork. A multi-zone HVAC system does require installation, but it won’t be as invasive as running ducts through the walls since every room has its own unit. Single-Zone vs. Multi-Zone HVAC Systems To decide which system is best for you, you need to look primarily at your needs and home. If your house could use either a single- or multi-zone system, or you aren’t sure which suits your needs, compare the two solutions — from their advantages to the installation process. Pros of Single-Zone and Multi-Zone HVAC Systems No matter which system you choose, you’ll get the advantages of versatile applications and precise temperature control. From there, you can evaluate the pros of single-zone versus multi-zone HVAC systems since they come with different advantages. The benefits of single-zone HVAC include: Lower cost: Because a single-zone system involves fewer components than a multi-zone installation, it makes sense that a single-zone option is cheaper. That doesn’t mean you should take the lower-cost route and get a single-zone system, though, especially if you have a larger home. But it is an added benefit when you do need a single-zone system. Enhanced comfort: Whether you have an addition or an under-served home area, a single-zone HVAC helps you control its temperature. You won’t have an upstairs room that’s too hot or a downstairs room that’s too cold. Instead, you can enhance the comfort of a room or space in your home to your exact needs. Efficient size: With a smaller space or home, a single-zone system is the way to go. A larger unit or traditional system will shut on and off more often as it won’t take long to adjust your space to the right temperature. That puts unnecessary wear and tear on the machine, meaning you’ll have to get maintenance and repairs more often. While the pros of a single-zone installation are appealing, multi-zone options also come with their own advantages. The benefits of multi-zone HVAC include: Energy efficiency: Be more efficient with your energy spending when you have a multi-zone system. You can adjust the temperature to be more efficient or turn off the HVAC completely in zones that cover unused parts of your home. Better control: Traditional systems only accurately adjust the temperature in the room with the thermostat. A multi-zone system helps you control the temperature in any room or area with its own unit. That gives you better temperature control and accuracy throughout your house. Customization: Better control means you can customize the temperature in every room. This custom comfort is particularly useful for bedrooms. Everyone likes to sleep in a room with a different temperature, and a multi-zone system lets you do that. That means everyone in your home will sleep comfortably with a multi-zone HVAC. Single-Zone vs. Multi-Zone HVAC Installation The installation process varies between these HVAC systems. Again, you shouldn’t compromise and choose one over the other just based on these factors. You’ll have to pick what’s best for your home, but understanding single-zone versus multi-zone HVAC installation will help you see the difference between the two options: Single-zone: For a single-zone system, you have an outdoor and indoor unit. This setup is known