Frequently Asked Questions about Heating & Cooling (Part 1)

July 26, 2017

    Get a Free Replacement Estimate

    How can we help?

    A heating and cooling system is a vital component of every home, office or commercial property. Not only does it keep the temperatures pleasantly cool or warm, it also influences the quality of air.

    To make sure your HVAC system is up to par, you should get thoroughly informed. Many home and business owners want to know how they can cut down on AC costs during the hot summer months, but the cost is far from being the only factor at play.

    This article may help you decide whether your system needs an upgrade or replacement, provide advice on how to select a new HVAC system and balance cost and comfort, how often to schedule preventative maintenance, and more!

     

    How to know my HVAC system needs replacing?

    To upgrade, repair or replace? The decision can be difficult, so you should consult a reliable heating and cooling contractor with a proven reputation in Mesa, AZ. The budget you can currently allocate can be a significant decision-making factor. However, a fully functional HVAC system is a long-term investment, something you should invest in upfront only to be able to save up later.

    Modern systems are significantly more efficient than their older counterparts. For example, Trane air conditioners are not only 100% reliable but also extremely cost-efficient; residents of Mesa, AZ and beyond have been voting with their wallets for these cutting-edge appliances for quite some time now.

    If your system is more than 10 years old, chances are it needs replacement. If you experience constant issues with your AC or other parts of the system and you constantly pay for repairs, it’s a sign that you should replace it.

    If you notice high AC bills at the end of every month, you should consider switching to a more cost-efficient AC unit. The same goes for other components of the HVAC system.

    What happens during old system replacement?

    When replacing your old HVAC system, your heating and cooling contractor should inspect the existing structure to see if it can still be used and to what degree. The structural elements include (but are not limited to): piping or ductwork, insulation, wiring, condensate, flue and refrigerant piping, slabs, evaporator coil, and filter.

    The rule of thumb is to replace as many of these elements as possible because the new modern system will also require structural upgrades to achieve peak performance. Consult your HVAC contractor about your options.

    How long does a new HVAC system last?

    A newly installed heating and cooling system can last anywhere from 12 to 15 years, provided several conditions are met. First of all, you have to find a licensed and qualified HVAC contractor to install the system properly the first time around. Faulty installation can cause lots of issues almost by itself.

    Also, regular maintenance is necessary to prevent any issues right from the start. Preventative maintenance is vital to ensure the longevity of your heating and cooling system. A trusted HVAC technician can also suggest upgrades to the system that can make it more efficient and less prone to breakdowns.

    How often should maintenance be done and what should it cover?

    For your HVAC system to be efficient year-round, there are elements that you should have inspected once a year, others that require inspection every other year, while others need inspections more often. For example, heat pumps and gas furnaces require a tune-up once a year.

    During a maintenance checkup, your HVAC contractor should look for leaks, soot, rust, corrosion and frayed wires. As for the furnace, they should inspect the chimney, pipes or ductwork (depending on what system you have), dampers or valves, blower or pump, top mention a few elements. The technician should also run the system through a full heating cycle and clean the burner and heat exchanger.

    When checking up the heat pump, the HVAC technician should inspect the compressor and fan, and clean indoor and outdoor coils. The refrigerant lines should also be checked for refrigerant pressure.

    More about Heating and Cooling Mesa AZ

    In our next article, get answers to more questions you always wanted to ask about heating and cooling in Mesa AZ!