How much do you know about your air conditioning system?
This summer has been HOT! How has your air conditioner been tackling the heat? Did you know that air conditioners have only been a widespread household staple with the 1960’s / 1970’s? In the grand scheme of things, that is not a lot of time at all. There may be a lot the average homeowner doesn’t know about the “box that sits outside.”
Here are some interesting facts that you may not have known about your air conditioner.
Original “air conditioners” involved ice. Modern air conditioners use refrigerant. However, we still use some terms leftover from the “ice age.” For example, a “ton” of air conditioner isn’t a measure of a unit’s size. It is actually a measurement of the heating or cooling capacity of a heat pump or air conditioner. A one ton air conditioner can melt a one ton block of ice in one hour.
Did you know that the average lifespan of an air conditioner is 16 years? It is important to know this when it comes to either repairing or replacing your older unit. If your air conditioner is nearing the 10-15 year mark, it may be a good idea to replace the unit rather than continue to make repairs.
Although air conditioners and heat pumps may seem completely different if you just hear the names, they actually have a lot of similarities. Both heat pumps and air conditioners use the same process to cool a home, but a heat pump is able to reverse the process to provide heat for your home on colder days.
Air conditioning is important for the medical profession. The ability to control the environment has helped thinkers develop medicines, perform operations and more! That’s not to mention that air conditioned indoor environments can help prevent death from the heat during brutally hot summers.
It’s a wide misconception that school summer vacations were created mainly for the purpose to cater to farm life. While this may have had an impact, the main factor that led to summer vacation was the heat! Since school buildings didn’t have air conditioning, it was deemed too hot to learn. Lucky for school kids, and maybe unlucky for parents, the practice continued after the widespread use of air conditioning.
Want to learn more about your air conditioner? Get in touch with your local HVAC contractor.
This is part two of our air conditioning facts. You can find part one here.
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What to do when there’s no air conditioning
There’s nothing more aggravating than turning on your air conditioner and discovering that it is not working. You make sure the thermostat is set to the right settings. You make sure the unit is receiving power. And, it’s still not turning on.
Do you want to know the worst thing you can do for your air conditioner? Attempt to fix it yourself. Too often, a contractor will come across a problem that could have been prevented with proper maintenance, repair or installation by a well-trained hand.
If you discover your air conditioner isn’t turning on, here are the next steps you should take:
Pick up the phone and call a reputable contractor. It’s important that the professional you hire is ready to do a great job on your air conditioning repair. If you think it’s expensive to pay for a quality contractor, just try hiring a hack. You may end up paying a bunch for diagnosis and never receiving an adequate repair.
DO NOT attempt to fix your air conditioner yourself. DIY air conditioner maintenance, repairs and installations can result in significant problems for your air conditioner. Not to mention it can be downright dangerous to go poking around in your unit.
Remember, patience is a virtue. Contractors become very busy during the summer. It can take a while for a contractor to make it to your home, or you may have to pay more for expedited emergency service. A good contractor will always be worth the wait.
Find ways to keep cool while waiting for your contractor. Use fans to your advantage. Avoid using the stove or oven – crockpots and grills are great alternatives! Do not go in and out of the house too much. Keep windows closed, unless it gets cooler at night. There are many ways to keep cool. After all, central air conditioning in homes did not become widespread until the ’60s!
Need a place to start the contractor search? You can check out the Maytag HVAC contractor locator.
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How do you keep cool during the summer?
We’re having a heat wave! It has been hot, hot, HOT here at Maytag HVAC. Highs this week are climbing into the 100s, and it’s not even August yet – the hottest month of the year. The question of the day is, what are some of the things you like to do when it is just too hot outside? Let’s face it, no one wants to stay indoors in the air conditioning every single day. You’ve got to venture outside eventually. How do you keep cool? Here’s our best hot weather advice! Stay hydrated. It is all too easy to forget to drink enough water, especially when you are at the pool or a waterpark. Stick to the shade. Did you know that the light from the sun can make it feel 10 – 15 warmer? Staying in the shade is a great way to keep cool AND avoid sunburn. Wear sunscreen. It may not smell great. It may be inconvenient to continue reapplying. BUT, sunscreen is very important to remember during the summer. Take breaks from the heat and enjoy an air-conditioned area. Are you ready for fall, or do you enjoy the hot weather?Like this post? Share it!
Does your local HVAC contractor offer financing?
Worried about the cost of a new air conditioner or heat pump? Luckily, many contractors offer financing that can help make your new system a reality. Financing is a great way to get the efficient air conditioner you want. When it comes to heating and cooling equipment, it always pays to invest in efficiency. With financing, an efficient HVAC system may not feel as out of reach.
Financing options will vary based on your contractor. Make sure you talk to your contractor about the financing options they offer at the beginning of the buying process.
Maytag HVAC offers several different financing options for homeowners in both the United States and Canada.
Homeowners in the United States have the options of Comfort Plus or FTL Financing.
Comfort Plus is a credit card issued by Synchrony Bank. You can apply this financing to the purchase of new systems and the cost of installation.
FLT Finance offers an HVAC installment loan with a fixed interest rate and fixed terms. You will always know your monthly payment and how long it will last – depending on the terms that you choose. You can apply this financing to air conditioners, heat pumps, and more.
Canadian homeowners may be eligible for EcoHome financing.
EcoHome offers financing options that can suit your budget and lifestyle. It features competitive interest rates, deferred payments and zero interest options.
Remember, not all contractors offer financing. You can use the Maytag HVAC contractor locator to find a professional who does offer financing in your area.
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Are you looking for some answers to your heating and cooling questions?
Buying a new air conditioner, heat pump or gas furnace is not something you are going to have to do often. In fact, air conditioners and heat pumps last around 15 years, while a gas furnace may last up to 20 years! During that time, there are many technological advancements, regulation changes, etc.
That’s why so many questions arise when replacement time does roll around. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked HVAC questions.
Who can I call to work on my heating and cooling equipment?
When it comes to an air conditioner, gas furnace, heat pump, or any other type of HVAC system, you should ALWAYS call a professional for service, maintenance or installation. Heating and air conditioning equipment requires training, skill and knowledge in order to properly service. It isn’t ajob for the average “Mr. Fix-It.”
Who is responsible for registering my unit?
Most heating and air conditioning manufacturers require product registration for full warranty coverage. A lot of the times, a contractor will register your unit for you. But, ultimately it is up to you to make sure your system is registered. Make sure you ask your contractor whether you are responsible for registering your new HVAC system.
I am looking for technical support, who should I call?
If you think something is wrong with your system, and you are tempted to fix it yourself…stop right there! Heating and air conditioning equipment isn’t something that just anyone can fix. They are complicated pieces of equipment that require skill in order to repair and service. Drop the wrench, pick up the phone and call your local contractor.
Do companies sell HVAC parts directly to homeowners?
While policies may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, Maytag HVAC does not supply parts directly to homeowners.
How much is an air conditioner?
Each air conditioner installation is unique. Therefore, there is no way to give an accurate price for your specific cooling system needs. A lot will depend on the state of your current central air system, which system you choose, how efficient the unit is, etc. To get an accurate picture of the price of your new air conditioner, contact your local heating and air conditioning contractor.
Do I need preventative maintenance?
Preventative maintenance is crucial for continued optimal HVAC performance. It is a good idea to schedule preventative maintenance twice a year – once before the cooling season and again before the heating season. Maintenance may even be a part of your warranty agreement!
Do you have any other HVAC questions?
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Did you recently buy an air conditioner?
Want to make sure you are getting the best deal possible on your brand-new air conditioner? Consider the various cost-cutting rebates and incentives offered in your area. There are plenty of incentives for buying high-efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment, and they are fairly simple to look for – you don’t even have to leave your computer!
There’s no denying it, replacing your old air conditioner was most likely expensive. But with cost-cutting rebates and incentives, the additional bonus of efficient performance, it is a worthwhile investment. Local HVAC rebates provide hundreds of dollars for all the energy-efficiency improvements you can make to your home – whether you added a zoning system or upgraded to an ENERGY STAR-certified model.
Here are the ways you can look up your local utility rebates online.
For homeowners in the United States:
http://www.dsireusa.org/For homeowners in Canada:
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/corporate/statistics/neud/dpa/policy_e/programs.cfm Don’t forget to ask your HVAC contractor about other cost-cutting promotions they may be offering at the time you buy your new air conditioner.Like this post? Share it!
Worried about the cost of a new air conditioner?
There are no two ways about it – investing in a new heating and cooling system does require a chunk of change. However, there are plenty of rebates and incentives that can ease the cost burden of investing in a new air conditioner.
Manufacturer Rebate
During various times of the year, HVAC manufacturers offer rebates on high-efficiency equipment. Make sure you talk with your contractor to see if your new system qualifies.
Local Utility Rebates
Homeowners in both the United States and Canada may qualify for local rebates. Search the DSIRE database if you are in the United States or the National Energy Use Database if you are in Canada.
Tax Credits
Did you recently have an HVAC system installed? If your system was installed before December 31, 2016, and you live in the United States, your new equipment may have qualified for a tax credit. Did you make sure to check that out when you filed your 2016 taxes?
Contractor Promotions / Financing
Still need a little help affording that new system? Many contractors participate in financing programs that can make a new high-efficiency HVAC system more attainable. Plus, your local contractor may run different promotions through the year.
Remember, it pays to invest in efficiency. Not only will a more efficient air conditioner qualify for more incentives, it can also help you save money over the life of the system (in smaller utility bills). Make sure you do some research when finding your local HVAC contractor. If you think it’s expensive to hire a quality contractor, you should try hiring one that ISN’T fully qualified to install your equipment.
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How old is your air conditioner?
There comes a time in the life of an air conditioner when it is no longer cost-effective to continue making repairs. Although a new system can be expensive, you could be paying more to cool your home monthly with an old air conditioner, AND you could wind up spending more money fixing a system that is just going to break down sooner rather than later.
If your air conditioner meets one or more of the following criteria, it may be time to replace it instead of making a repair.
- Your air conditioner is over 10 years old.
- It is a costly repair involving a major component of the unit.
- Your system needs to be charged with R-22 refrigerant.
- Your air conditioner is under 13 SEER.
- You have made multiple repairs recently.
- You’re not planning on moving anytime soon.
- The cost of repair is more than half the cost of a new system.
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Do you know what new air conditioners offer that old air conditioners don’t?
Many industries have taken extraordinary technological leaps and bounds over the past few decades. The heating and air conditioning industry is no different. Buying a new air conditioner or gas furnace isn’t something you do every day. The old unit in your home could be 10 to 20 years old! Heck, you may not have even purchased an air conditioner before. Not only could you be paying more for cool air if you have an old system, your home may not be as comfortable.
Here are some technological advances that make a new air conditioner so much better than older models.
- Smart thermostats. Okay, you don’t necessarily need a new air conditioner to have a smart thermostat, but you won’t be getting all the benefits that a smart thermostat offers. It’s like getting expensive rims for an old beater car.
- Modulating technology. Some of the most efficient air conditioners use modulation technology. These air conditioners reach staggering levels of efficiency, maintain more even temperatures and save you money on monthly utility expenses.
- Multiple stages of operation. However, you don’t have to invest in a modulating system to enjoy high-efficiency performance. Many models operate in more than one stage of operation. This also improves energy-efficiency and increases home comfort.
- Eco-friendly refrigerant. The type of refrigerant used in heating and cooling systems has changed over the years. Today, the industry standard is R-410A refrigerant. Your older system may use R-22 – a refrigerant that has been phased out. As we get further and further away from the phase-out date, this refrigerant is going to become more and more expensive as supply dwindles.
- Variable-speed air distribution. Variable-speed technology increases home comfort. The unit will be able to vary air distribution speeds to improve home comfort and maintain more even temperatures throughout your home.
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How much do you know about your thermostat?
Do you pay attention to your thermostat? Like the rest of your HVAC system, it’s something that you probably don’t think about all too much…until it stops working. Your thermostat is the brains of the operation. It sends signals to your heating and cooling equipment when your home is either too hot or too cold. When something goes wrong with those signals, it can negatively impact home comfort.
Do you know which type of thermostat you have in your home? Here are some things you should know about two types of thermostats – non-programmable and programmable.
Non-programmable thermostats…
- Base models
- Compatible with different equipment
- Set your temperature preferences based on your schedule
- Customizable home comfort
- Compatible with different equipment