Common HVAC FAQs

To get the most out of your HVAC system, your air filters should be changed monthly. However, this can vary depending on the conditions in your home. If you typically have to dust your furniture once a week, you should stick to the monthly filter changes. 

You can tell when to change an air filter by inspecting the back of it. Any discoloration (dirt) on the back indicates the filter is full and is releasing dirt into the air stream. For more information, contact our AC repair service experts today!

This depends on how it is used. A rule of thumb is the more often you set the thermostat to adjust the temperature above or below your standard setting, the more you save. Adjusting the temperature just a couple of degrees while you're sleeping will save you money. If your home is unoccupied during the day and you adjust the thermostat, the savings can be substantial. A basic programmable thermostat will pay for itself within the first year under the best circumstances and easily within two to three years when the adjustments are minimal.

It's also worth noting that proper maintenance on your HVAC system and insulation can reduce your home's energy bill by 30%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. If you're looking for a programmable thermostat or an AC repair service, contact us today!

Many times during an AC repair service, an inexpensive part such as a run capacitor is found to be faulty. When this type of failure goes unnoticed, it will lead to the failure of more expensive parts, such as the motor itself or even the compressor. Such a maintenance call will save you hundreds of dollars in repairs.

Keeping the system clean and operating at peak efficiency will save energy and extend the life of your system.  Clogged drain lines are also a big issue. Over time slime and sludgebuilds up in the AC drain lines, causing water to overflow the drain pan leading to costly water damage.  Drain lines are cleraed and flushed and bleach tabs are added tthe drain pan to help prevent the slime build up. 

Leaks in ducts alone can easily cost up to 30% or more in energy costs. Combined with metal ducts that have no insulation, your costs can be as high as 40% or more.

Leaking ducts are very common in many homes and account for a huge amount of lost dollars every year. Most older homes have no insulation at all in any of the metal ductwork, and this costs much more than many people realize. Yes, fixing your leaking ductwork and insulation will save money very quickly.

This depends on the unit you have now. Efficiencies have increased dramatically over the years. Air conditioners that are 10 to 15 years old or older typically have an efficiency rating of seven to 10 SEER, while you can purchase air conditioning equipment with ratings as high as 18 or 19 SEER.

The savings greatly depend on how you use your system and the thermostat temperature settings you choose. The savings can be substantial. Many of our customers have cut their monthly utility bills in half.

Air conditioning systems under five years old: In most cases, the best advice is to simply fix the unit. Nearly all manufacturers provide a five to 10-year warranty on the compressor and other parts. Some also provide a five or 10-year warranty on the air conditioning condenser and evaporator coils.

If you are not sure if you have a valid warranty, call Tri City and our technician will diagnose your problem and contact the manufacturer to determine if your air conditioning system condenser is still under warranty for any particular part.

Air conditioning systems over five years old: When the air conditioning system compressor fails and the compressor is out of warranty, we suggest replacing the entire air conditioning unit. Typically, units over this age did not come with a 10-year warranty on the compressor as those types of warranties started just a few years ago.

A Tri City technician will diagnose your system and contact the manufacturer to determine if any warranty is still available. Keep in mind that the replacement compressor for your air conditioner will typically carry only a one-year warranty and the cost of the replacement compressor is normally at least one-half to three-quarters of the cost of a brand-new air-conditioning condenser unit.

Many of the parts, other than the coils, that fail on your air conditioner are usually low enough in cost to warrant a repair instead of replacing the unit at this age.

Air conditioning systems over 10 years old: Unless the part is less than $200, we suggest you consider replacing the air conditioning unit. At this age, the air conditioning condenser system may continue to be prone to more failures. With the increased efficiencies of the latest air conditioning systems, you could save hundreds of dollars on your utility bill.

Air conditioning systems over 15 years old: We suggest replacing the air conditioning condenser unit. You can expect to save up to 50% in operating costs simply by increasing the efficiency rating of your air conditioning condenser unit with a new indoor evaporator coil. Newer air conditioning systems that are available today are much more efficient and economical to operate than those manufactured 10 years ago.

Other things to consider about your air conditioner: If the air conditioner condenser fan motor fails and the system continues to run unnoticed, it is likely that there's hidden damage present. Your air conditioning system compressor depends on the condenser fan to remove the heat from the condenser unit and when the fan fails, it puts a huge amount of heat, wear, and tear on the compressor. The air conditioning compressor is similar to your car engine; overheating can damage both.

Is Puron R410a Being Phased Out?

Your AC equipment uses a chemical refrigerant to move warmth within your house outside. This makes your residence chilled and refreshing. The model of refrigerant used in residential air conditioner has been modified several times over the years, keeping up with technological advancements and environmental regards.

All modern home AC equipment run on R410a, also known as Puron. But this refrigerant will eventually be discontinued. This is due to a continuous attention on restricting compounds known to negatively impact the environment.

To understand the “why” that causes AC restrictions, it’s useful to put it into perspective. Two-thirds of the 128.5 million residences in the USA have air conditioners, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

But it’s not really the AC system itself, or even its cooling performance.

The main problem is the refrigerant these systems has to create the refreshing air we enjoy.

Installed after 2010

If your equipment was installed after January 1, 2010, it probably has R410a. And there’s lots of time for you to get prepared for the phaseout. So, it’s not something you should be worried about immediately.

Approaches and timetables have been determined for commercial AC units. But the start of the phaseout for residential AC systems hasn’t yet been set. However, the phaseout could begin around 2023 and take 10 years to complete.

By that time, you may need to get a new your unit anyway, since the regular life cycle for an AC system is usually 15 years.

Installed Before 2010

This chemical isn’t being made anymore, but there are still lots of residential air conditioning systems that have R22. If you have to have the system repaired, it can be very pricey since only reacquired and recycled refrigerant is attainable.

In many cases, we propose installing a new your equipment due to the rising costs of sustaining an AC with R22. As a bonus, you’ll be receiving a more energy-efficient system.

How Do I Find Out What Type Refrigerant My AC Uses?

If you’re uncertain what kind of refrigerant your air conditioning uses, you can look at its nameplate. This piece is usually situated on the outdoor condenser. Or you can check your owner’s manual.

If you’re still not able to locate it, you should contact us should contact us and our pros can help.

Why are Refrigerants Damaging to the Environment?

Older types of refrigerants can harm the environment and lead to climate change. Here’s a look at the history of residential air conditioner refrigerants:

Residential air conditioners have run with R22, or Freon, for many years. Researchers determined it was damaging to the planet and ozone, so creation permanently halted on January 1, 2020.

R410a is the alternative for R22. It’s what you’ll see in all new cooling units currently.

• Plenum
• Evaporator coil
• Condenser coil
• Outdoor condenser Fan
• Condenser unit
• Compressor
• Coolant lines
• Indoor Blower
• Filter
• Cold air return duct
• Evaporator drain lines
• Air handler
• Furnace