Air Conditioning FAQs

Air conditioning systems typically have a lifespan ranging from 10 to 20 years. As these systems age, their efficiency tends to decline, often accompanied by increased noise levels and a higher frequency of repairs.

When your AC begins to exhibit signs of aging, you are faced with a choice: overhaul the existing unit or opt for a replacement. Given the advancements in cooling technologies, investing in a new AC equipped with newer, energy-efficient components is a sensible choice, particularly if your current unit is 10 years or older.

At Absolute Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning, we can provide estimates for the cost of a new system and outline a payback schedule, demonstrating how upgraded technology translates into lower energy usage, making it a financially sound decision in the long run.

It’s not recommended to solely replace the outdoor unit on an older AC system to save money. Doing so may result in a significant loss of efficiency, up to 15%, and could lead to premature system failure.

Additionally, this approach may void most manufacturers’ warranties. For optimal performance and longevity, it’s advisable to replace both the outdoor unit and the indoor cooling coil together.

A properly sized matched system ensures precise control over your home’s cooling, allowing for optimal comfort and relaxation. When each component is aligned to your home’s specifications, it not only maintains proper cycle times and humidity control but also minimizes system sound.

Additionally, matched AC systems contribute to energy efficiency by avoiding the common issue of purchasing systems that are too large for the home. By having a matched unit designed through a load calculation for your specific home, you receive just the right amount of cooling, maximizing the value of your utility expenses.

Absolutely, annual servicing is crucial for your air conditioning system. Regular maintenance not only reduces energy and repair costs but also prevents unexpected breakdowns, ultimately extending the lifespan of your AC.

Neglecting this essential upkeep leads to a decline in performance and a steady rise in energy consumption.

Mold thrives in damp environments, and your AC can be susceptible. To prevent mold growth, prioritize preventative maintenance to keep the collection pan under the indoor coil clean and clog-free. Consider installing ultraviolet lights near the cooling coils to eliminate any mold or bacteria that may be present.

Additionally, keep your ductwork clean and utilize a high-efficiency filtration system to maintain a clean and mold-free HVAC system. These proactive measures ensure a healthier indoor environment by minimizing the risk of mold contamination from your air conditioning system.

SEER ratings are crucial indicators of energy efficiency in air conditioning systems. SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, represents the efficiency of an air conditioner. Higher SEER numbers, such as our offerings, ranging from 13 to an impressive 21 SEER, translate to more significant savings on electricity bills.

For example, a 13 SEER unit uses 23% less energy than a 10 SEER unit, making a substantial impact on your energy consumption and costs. This means that, depending on your usage, investing in a higher SEER-rated air conditioner can lead to substantial reductions in your electric bills, making your home more energy-efficient and cost-effective.

To reduce your cooling energy costs, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency air conditioner. Swapping out your old, inefficient system for a more advanced unit can cut electricity bills by up to one-third. Consult with our professional technicians to ensure the new system is the right size for your home, avoiding over- or under-cooling. Additionally, set your thermostat above 75°F during the summer months, as each degree below this adds three to five percent to your energy bill.

Installing ceiling fans with a counter-clockwise airflow in the summer creates a gentle wind, enhancing comfort. Schedule annual maintenance with a licensed technician to keep your air conditioner operating at peak efficiency and catch potential issues before they arise. Lastly, avoid blocking vents in well-used rooms to ensure even cool air distribution and efficient operation.

With the average home dedicating around $1,900 annually to energy bills, and cooling accounting for up to half of that energy usage, efficiency is paramount. Energy Star qualified products, meeting rigorous guidelines from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), not only contribute to significant annual savings of up to 20% on your total energy costs but also play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

By prioritizing proper sizing, quality installation, and maintenance, these energy-efficient systems not only enhance your home’s comfort but also promote sustainability, making them an environmentally conscious and cost-effective choice for your air conditioning needs.

A geothermal system harnesses the Earth’s consistent temperature (ranging from 50°F to 70°F, depending on location) to efficiently cool your home. By utilizing this renewable energy source, you can enjoy savings of up to 60% on your power bills compared to traditional systems.

With no odors or loud outdoor equipment, a geothermal unit provides a clean, quiet, and all-encompassing solution for air conditioning, all from a single compact unit.

Variable-speed fans in air conditioning systems offer a significant advantage by adjusting their speed based on your home’s cooling requirements. Typically operating at lower speeds, these fans provide a consistent and reliable airflow, effectively controlling humidity, minimizing utility costs, and reducing system noise.

As environmental conditions become more demanding, the fan speed automatically increases to meet heightened demand, ensuring that even on the hottest days, your comfort needs are met efficiently and effectively.

2-stage cooling is an efficient method designed to optimize the cooling process in response to changing outdoor temperatures, enhancing both indoor comfort and energy efficiency. This system operates with either two compressors—a small one generating about 50% capacity and a larger one—or a single scroll unloading compressor that can reduce capacity to approximately 66%.

By utilizing a lower stage when high capacity isn’t necessary, 2-stage cooling conserves energy, making it a particularly energy-efficient choice for maintaining a comfortable home environment.

For optimal comfort and energy savings during the summer, it’s recommended to set your thermostat between 75 and 80 degrees. However, choosing the highest temperature that remains comfortable for you is key to maximizing energy efficiency.

Small adjustments, like raising the setting from 75 to 76 degrees, can contribute to significant cooling cost savings. Remember, every 1-degree change correlates to approximately 1% in energy savings.

If your AC isn’t cooling specific rooms in your home, it could be due to various reasons, such as an undersized system, or issues with balance or clogs. In the case of a two-story home with a single system and no zoning control, it may also contribute to uneven cooling.

To address this issue effectively, we recommend scheduling an on-site analysis for personalized recommendations tailored to your specific situation. Please reach out to us to arrange a visit and ensure optimal cooling comfort throughout your home.

If your air conditioner is noticeably loud, especially when entertaining outdoors, it’s essential to address the issue for a more enjoyable environment. Even a small increase in decibels can significantly impact the perceived loudness. At Absolute Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning, we understand the importance of a quiet and comfortable atmosphere.

Our product line features advanced technologies designed to reduce operating sound levels, ensuring a more peaceful outdoor experience. Contact us to explore options that prioritize both performance and tranquility, enhancing your air conditioning system for a quieter and more enjoyable outdoor setting.

If you notice your air conditioner freezing up, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly. Start by checking for a dirty or blocked air filter, as restricted airflow can lead to freezing. Ensure that vents and registers are open and unobstructed.

Additionally, examine the evaporator coils for dirt or debris and clean them if necessary. If the problem persists, it could indicate a refrigerant issue or a malfunctioning component, requiring professional attention from Absolute Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning in Coralville, IA.