Here at Larson Air Conditioning, we always strive to go the extra mile when it comes to delivering superior service, and educating our customers is one of the ways we make this possible. That’s why we’ve put together the top 5 things that experts like us want you to know about your air conditioner.
1. PROPER MAINTENANCE IS KEY
As the old saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. In other words, it’s better to prepare ahead of time in order to avoid a larger problem later. That’s why sticking to a proper air conditioning maintenance schedule is so important. The average HVAC system runs for about 3,300 hours per year. All that runtime accelerates wear-and-tear, especially in the Phoenix area where harsh weather conditions hasten system deterioration. That leads to problems like equipment failure, higher energy bills, poor performance, and even complete breakdowns. Without proper maintenance, these problems can go unnoticed until the only solution is a complete system replacement. But, a trained technician knows how to spot signs of trouble before they turn into bigger (and more expensive) headaches.
At Larson Air Conditioning, our technicians use a time-tested 34-point checklist to make sure all components of your air conditioner, no matter how small, are inspected and maintained. These include:
- Measuring refrigerant levels
- Performing test-runs of capacitors
- Inspecting wiring, fan blades, circuit boards, and condenser coils
- Tightening loose screws, and replacing missing ones
- Checking thermostats, air filters, and return ducts
- And more
With the help of our comprehensive maintenance tune-ups, you can rely on your air conditioner to keep working at its best for years to come. And, as a Larson Cool Club member, you’ll receive benefits like priority scheduling, members-only discounts, and more.
2. BIGGER ISN’T ALWAYS BETTER
Some companies regularly install air conditioning systems that are too large for the homes they’re meant for. This may not sound like a bad thing, but having a bigger air conditioner isn’t desirable like having a larger TV or a more spacious car. An air conditioning system that’s too big will cycle on and off frequently, wasting energy and driving up your monthly bill. The constant on/off cycling shortens the lifespan of vital components as well, meaning you’ll likely have to replace the system prematurely. In contrast, a properly sized system offers the perfect balance of performance, comfort, and energy savings—now and in the future.
Sizing an air conditioner isn’t as simple as just measuring the square footage in your home. At Larson Air Conditioning our technicians perform a detailed heat load calculation to ensure we only install properly sized equipment. A Manual J Load Calculation is a comprehensive way to determine how many tons of heat removal capacity is necessary for your home, considering factors that include:
- The age of your home
- The size of each room in your home
- How many people live in your home
- The condition of your existing ductwork
- Which direction your home faces
- The quality and R-Value of your existing insulation
- What kind of windows and window coverings you have
- Your local weather and climate conditions
- Construction characteristics in walls, ceilings and floors
A properly sized air conditioner makes all the difference when it comes to efficient cooling and reliable performance. That’s why we go the extra mile to make sure each and every air conditioner we install is the right size, the first time.
3. CHANGING YOUR FILTERS IS IMPORTANT
Your filters help defend against dust, dirt, and allergens by physically stopping these particles from polluting the air in your home. They also keep your air conditioner in good working condition by trapping the aforementioned particles before they reach critical components within the system. Overall, filters help maintain the efficiency and performance of your air conditioner and replacing them should be a part of your monthly household chores. If you don’t, you’ll have to deal with things like uneven cooling, restricted airflow, and increased dust in your home. You also run the risk of major problems with the compressor, which always requires a service technician to fix. The bottom line is, simply setting a reminder to change your filters every 30 days can save you time, money, and energy in the long run.
4. A HOME ENERGY AUDIT CAN LOWER YOUR COOLING COSTS
In the sweltering Phoenix summers, your air conditioner runs around the clock to keep your home cool and comfortable—so it’s no surprise that finding ways to save on monthly utility bills is top of mind for most homeowners. In many cases, these high monthly bills aren’t the fault of your air conditioner. Instead, they’re the result of things like poor insulation and aging ductwork making your system work harder than it needs to. Even upgrading to newer, more efficient HVAC equipment won’t solve anything if the underlying problems in your home aren’t fixed. A home energy audit can pinpoint and correct areas in your home that generate significant energy loss.
A home energy audit with the Larson team is a multi-step process that includes utility bill analysis, a thorough inspection of your home inside and out, and testing of your ventilation system along with a lighting inspection. With the unique characteristics of your home in mind, our team will develop a plan of impactful energy solutions to help with shortcomings that include:
- Poorly designed ventilation
- Leaking, damaged, or old ductwork
- Problems with air filtration
- Hot and cold spots within the home
- Excessive dust and indoor allergens
- And more
5. SEER IS THE NUMBER TO KNOW
The energy efficiency of an air conditioner is expressed in a two-digit SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) number. The higher the number, the more efficient the system is, with a minimum of 14. Older systems are commonly rated at 8 or 9, showing how energy efficiency has improved with new technology. If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner, you’ll want one with a high SEER rating. While these systems may have a higher upfront cost, you’ll save in the long run with energy savings and lower utility bills.
Larson Air Conditioning: Your cooling experts
The five facts above are only the beginning when it comes to the world of air conditioning. We always go the extra mile when it comes to the safety and comfort of your home and prioritize exceptional customer service overall. To ensure we’re always there when you need us, you can call (480) 428-0600 or schedule service online. Whether you have a problem that needs fixing, or you’re in the market for a new air conditioner, you can trust our team to make things right.