FAQ's

How do I decide whether I need to replace my system?

Many homeowners during some point of their ownership may have to replace their central air-conditioning systems. The average life span of central air-conditioning system is 12- to 15- years if it is properly installed and maintained. Heat pumps have about the same life-span -- about 14 years -- when recommended maintenance is followed. Newer units manufactured in recent years are expected to last even longer.

When the system starts giving you more problems than seem cost-effective to fix, it may be time to consider purchasing a new system. When faced with major repairs, consult several air conditioning technicians for their recommendations.
How can I determine the energy efficiency of my air conditioning or heat pump system?

Air conditioning manufacturers are required by law to evaluate and rate their equipment according to its energy efficiency. This rating for central air conditioning is known in the industry as a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) for heat pump systems. The higher the SEER/HSPF, the more efficient the equipment. Generally, the higher the SEER/HSPF of a unit, the higher the cost, but the difference often can be recouped through reduced home energy bills.

Many manufacturers voluntarily submit their products for testing by the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) to assure consumers their energy efficiency claims have been verified by an independent, third party laboratory. However, ARI does not certify individual units, but matched air conditioning and heat pump systems, which work together as a coordinated team to achieve the given SEER/HSPF rating. Because the ARI Performance Certified seal is usually visible on the outside unit, it is important for consumers to double check their system is properly matched by asking their technician to verify this information.

How will I know if my air conditioning or heat pump system is properly matched?

You can verify that the system your air conditioning technician is proposing is a matched system by asking him to provide you with an ARI Certificate of Certified Product Performance or an ARI Reference Number. The reference number can be entered into ARI’s Directory of Certified Product Performance to verify that you have a matched system and to obtain an ARI Certificate of Certified Product Performance. For higher efficiency systems, the certificate can be used to obtain a federal tax credit or a utility rebate.

If you do not have an ARI Reference Number, to locate your air conditioning equipment in the ARI directory, you will need the manufacturer’s name, model name, and model number, for both the indoor and outdoor units. This information should be on the equipment’s warranty, your sales invoice and on the units themselves.

What are two-stage compressors and variable speed motors?

Air conditioning and heat pump manufacturers are constantly engineering innovative technologies to improve the efficiency of their equipment. Two of those technologies that help keep energy bills down are the two-stage compressors and variable-speed motors.

Two-stage compressor

Two-stage cooling means the air conditioner or heat pump has a compressor with two levels of operation: high for hot summer days and low for milder days. Since the low setting is adequate to meet household-cooling demands 80 percent of the time, a two-stage unit runs for longer periods and produces more even temperatures.

Longer cooling cycles also translate to quieter, more efficient operation and enhanced humidity control. Compared to a single-stage unit, a two-stage air conditioner or heat pump can remove twice as much moisture from the air. This is important because when moisture levels are high, there's a higher potential for mold and other pollutant problems.

Variable speed motors

The indoor air handler (fan and motor) provides the energy to move air through the ductwork of a central air conditioning or heat pump system to the rooms of your house. In most standard central cooling and heating systems, the fan and motor runs at one speed, which means the system is either on or off. A variable speed motor (VSM) uses control technology, meaning the VSM automatically changes speed based on your home’s heating and cooling requirements. It slowly increases up to maximum speed instead of coming on at full capacity all at once. This eliminates the sudden blast of air you feel with a one-speed system and results in the system running at a lower speed most of the time. This eliminates noisy start up, while reducing wear and tear on the fan and motor, resulting in a substantial reduction in operating costs due to major energy efficiency improvements.

What do I look for if I want a quiet air conditioning system?

Most heating and cooling systems manufactured today are quieter than those produced in past years. But there are still significant differences in sound ratings among these products.

Consumers can look for sound-dampening features such as insulated compressor compartments, discharge mufflers and innovative fan designs that work to soften the sound of a hard-working, high-efficiency compressor. Top-panel orifices, compressor wrappers and indoor blowers are all designed to further promote smooth, quiet airflow.