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Question: When should I
replace my air conditioning system rather than repair it?
Answer: In most cases,
an air conditioning unit can be repaired, whether it's the indoor
unit or the outdoor unit. However, in some cases, it may be
wiser and less expensive to replace the system. A good
system will easily last ten years, but a ten year old system will
have lost some of its efficiency. Losing its efficiency will
cause your electric bill to rise. If you're constantly
repairing an older unit, or your system is running too long trying
to keep up in warm weather, it's time to replace it. The
service technicians at Jones Air Conditioning will never condemn a
system if it's still worth repairing.
Question: What does SEER
mean?
Answer: Seasonal
Energy Efficiency Rating. The higher the SEER, the more
efficient the unit is. The higher the efficiency, the less
electricity is required to operate the system. In many
cases, buying a higher SEER system is the financially wiser thing
to do, because it will pay for itself before the warranty expires,
saving you money in the long run.
Question: How does a
humidistat work?
Answer: When used in
conjunction with an air conditioning system, a humidistat will
cycle the air conditioner on and off in response to internal
humidity level instead of responding to internal temperature
levels. In South Florida, the recommended setting for a
humidistat is 50 percent. When the relative indoor humidity
reaches 50 percent or above, the air conditioner will cycle on,
even if the thermostat setting does not call for cooling.
Question: Is it ok to
build a pump house over the condensing unit?
Answer: No. In
fact, it may be harmful. The outdoor unit requires
ventilation. Not only should it not be covered in any way, it
should also have plenty of clearance on all sides of the unit.
Twenty inches is the ideal amount of space that should be clear
from the unit, but no less than sixteen inches. Plants are ideal
for keeping the condensing unit out of site because they aren't
solid like a wall structure.
Question: When should
filters be cleaned or replaced?
Answer: It can vary
depending on conditions. In most cases, disposable filters
should be changed every one to three months. Disposable
filters must be replaced with the proper size filter to prevent
the evaporator coil from becoming damaged or requiring higher
maintenance than normal. Electrostatic and other permanent
filters should be cleaned no less than every three months. Jones
Air Conditioning can order any size filter needed.
Question: Should the
thermostat be set on auto or on?
Answer: When the fan
is set on auto, the air handler will only run when the outdoor
unit is running. However, in the on position it will run
constantly. When the fan runs constantly, it will likely
cause higher humidity because the air will be blown over damp
coils. In South Florida, it's recommended to set the
thermostat on the auto position.
Question: When replacing
one piece of equipment, it is necessary to replace the other piece
as well?
Answer: Yes. As of
March 1, 2009 it become part of the Florida Building Code that
both the condenser and air handler be replaced when replacing one
or the other. It's also required to properly match both
units.
If you have a question that wasn't
answered here, please contact
us and we'll be happy to assist you.
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