Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions about Air Conditioning Systems

Did you know that 87% of homes in the United States have an air conditioner system? And it costs 12% of total home energy expenditures? In other words, you should be well aware of how your air conditioning works, how you can keep it in excellent working condition, and what air conditioning repair services you may need, should the need arise.

Chances are, you will have several questions about your air conditioner system. However, you would probably hesitate to ask your handyman/technician about this – you are not alone. 

Don’t worry! We have put together a handy list of the most commonly asked questions and answers about AC systems.

Let’s see what our air conditioning service experts have to share.

1. What Is the Best Air Conditioner System?

This is probably the most commonly asked question. There are many AC brands available in the market. Not all are equal. They vary in cost, size, and cooling functions. You have to consider buying a system that provides optimal cooling while keeping your energy costs low. In short – think about an energy-efficient air conditioner system.

2. Do I Need a Central Air Conditioner System?

It depends! Any home can have a central HVAC system -that’s a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. But in the end, it all comes down to your heating and cooling needs. In Utah, summers are hot, and winters are cold. So, a full-scale central HVAC system might be your best bet.

However, you need to consider the costs and installation of the duct network, filters, furnace, and AC unit. It’s certainly not a DIY job. So, you will have to consult a local, skilled, and experienced air conditioning service provider for installation. 

It’s best to ask a professional to inspect your house first. They can suggest the best heating and cooling solutions based on your needs.

3. How Long Will My Air Conditioner System Will Last?

Most AC systems last around 15 to 20 years – some may even work for 25 years. However, your air conditioner system needs regular maintenance. It often involves changing filters, cleaning vents and ducts, checking the thermostat and coolant levels, and removing clogs from the drainage line, among other things. You are better off hiring an air conditioning service provider for a tune-up at least once a year.

4. Should I Change the Air Filter Regularly?

Yes. You must change the filter regularly. Experts recommend changing it every 90 days or three months. This frequency may vary based on the age of your air conditioner system, its usage, your location, and whether or not you have pets. If you want, consult an experienced technician to understand exactly when you should change the air filter. 

5. What Should Be the SEER Rating of My AC Unit?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. It measures how energy efficient your air conditioner system is. The law requires every manufacturer to rate their AC units for energy efficiency. Your AC will also come with a SEER rating.

The higher the rating, the more efficient the equipment. As of Jan. 23, 2006, the minimum SEER rating of an air conditioner system in the United States is 13. Most systems operating today have a SEER rating of 16. But some highly-efficient systems have a rating as high as 23.

6. Why Is My Air Conditioner System Leaking Water?

Leaking water builds up moisture inside your house, creating a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria. Mold can lead to many health problems such as a stuffy nose, wheezing, red or itchy eyes, or skin. So, you need to fix the leak immediately.

If your air conditioner system is leaking water inside the home, it’s usually a clogged condensate drain line. When dirt, dust, or mold gets trapped in the condensate line, it results in a leak as water cannot flow out. 

There could also be other reasons like a broken condensate pan, faulty installation, or even low refrigerant levels. You should consult an air conditioning service provider to help you identify and fix the problem.

7. Why Does My Air Conditioner System Keep Icing Up?

Most Utah homeowners experience this frustrating issue. There are many reasons your AC will ice up. It could be due to insufficient airflow across the condenser coil. Without proper heat exchange, the condenser coil will freeze. This may require you to check your air filter.

Other reasons include a low refrigerant level, dirty evaporator coil, or mechanical failures like a defective motor or relay. All of these reasons require professional help. Contact a trusted air conditioning service provider immediately.

8. Why Isn’t My Air Conditioner System Blowing Cold Air? 

With no cold air blowing, the inside temperature and humidity will rise. It can directly impact the health of your family and pets. There are several reasons for your air conditioner system to stop blowing cold air.

One of the most common reasons is leaking or low level of refrigerant. Without enough refrigerant, the AC will stop blowing cold air. A dirty or clogged filter can also prevent the cold air from entering your house. Debris like hair, lint, dust, and pollen builds up in the air filter over time. Changing the filter can solve this problem.

Other causes include thermostat-related issues, malfunctioned or broken condenser coils, and blocked or clogged registers. You will need an expert to tend to this issue, whether the reasons may be. So, call a reliable technician as soon as possible.

9. Why Is There a Sound Coming from My Air Conditioner System? 

AC units may not run silently, but a weird noise coming from your AC is a sign of malfunctioning. Besides, a noisy air conditioner system takes away your comfort. 

There are many reasons for your AC to make loud buzzing noises. It could be due to missing or broken isolation feet, refrigerant leaks, loosened parts, or a malfunctioned compressor. 

Usually, when one part comes loose, it puts pressure on the rest of the components, which leads to loud noises. If unchecked, your AC may stop working eventually. 

As these are not usually DIY issues, you should call a technician as quickly as possible.

10. Why Won’t My Air Conditioner System Turn On?

There is nothing worse than your AC not turning on in the intense Utah heat. But before you freak out, you will need to find out why it won’t turn on. It could be something as simple as your thermostat getting switched off. Try turning it on. If it doesn’t, check the batteries. Replacing the dead batteries should turn it on.

Another common issue is the circuit breaker getting tripped. A power surge can cause the circuit breaker to trip. Check your electrical panel, and turn ON the OFF switch button. That should turn your air conditioner system on.

However, the issue may not always be so straightforward. It could be a clogged filter, blown-out fuse, motor malfunction, refrigerant leak, clogged drainage line, or false temperature readings, among other things. It’s difficult to trace the exact cause if you are no expert. Call an air conditioning service provider immediately. They can identify and fix the problem quickly.

Wrap Up 

As a homeowner, you probably have many questions about your air conditioner system. You need to know the basics of air conditioning to be sure it works properly and won’t stop working suddenly. Hopefully, these frequently asked questions and answers will help you in this regard. 

Have more questions? Our HVAC experts will be happy to help you out.

At Perform Heating and Cooling, we can cover all your HVAC needs. For over 25 years, we have helped Utahans with high-quality heating repair, installation, and maintenance services. Book a service call with us now to find out how we can help you.