What size air conditioning system is right for my home?
Various factors determine the sizing and specifications of your system, including square footage, insulation, window surface and configuration, exact location of your home, and duct sizing and arrangement. A Natal technician can perform an in-home load analysis to verify which equipment combinations will precisely suit your home and your family’s needs. Depending on your home’s construction, one ton of air conditioning can cool anywhere from 300 to 800 square feet. You can confirm that the system you purchase is the right size by having your cooling requirements assessed by a Natal professional.
What is SEER Rating?
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio—SEER—is an efficiency measure that is used to rate both air conditioners and heat pumps. The greater the SEER number, the greater the efficiency, which leads to increased energy savings. All new products, under current United States regulations, must operate at a SEER rating of at least 13.0.
Why do I need regular maintenance on my air conditioning system?
Regular A/C maintenance by a reliable contractor like Natal Air Conditioning is an important factor in preparing your system to perform at its best during South Florida’s year-round hot weather. With the demands that long summer-like days can make on a system, regular service is vital if you want to avoid unnecessary equipment failure and repair costs. It’s a good idea to have a Natal technician check and service yours every spring and fall.
What are some of the signs that I should get my A/C system checked?
You should have your cooling system checked when you notice any of the following symptoms:
Decreased air flow from the vents
Strange noises coming from the system
Moldy odors coming from the ductwork when the system is running
The air conditioner cycles on and off more frequently than it used to
The breaker for the air conditioner in the electrical panel keeps tripping (or the fuse keeps blowing)
Ice appears on your air conditioner or piping, either inside or outside the house
Your outdoor fan in the air conditioner won’t come on
If you experience these or any other out-of-the-ordinary issues, call Natal Air Conditioning to have your system checked and serviced.
How often should I change my air conditioning filter?
For South Florida’s hot and humid climate, we recommend changing your disposable filter on a monthly basis. Likewise, if you have washable filters, you should clean them once a month. A filter that’s become clogged with dust, pet dander, mold, pollen, or any number of pollutants and particles puts a strain on your cooling system and spoils the air your family breathes.
What type of air conditioning filter should I use?
Standard filters work to keep your system and its ductwork clean, but they can only do so much to improve indoor air quality. A media air cleaner does a much better job of trapping small particles. It rests between the main return duct and the blower cabinet and will improve dust and particle removal up to seven times more effectively than a standard filter. Upgrading to a pleated media filter will remove everything from dust to airborne viruses from the filtered air. Always choose a filter that matches your blower’s capacity.
What are the advantages of a programmable thermostat?
With a focus on flexibility to complement your lifestyle, programmable thermostats are more accurate and efficient than thermostats that contain mercury. You can program settings in advance so that you can control the temperature at different times of the day. By scheduling your programmable thermostat to a higher or lower temperature based on your work hours, you can save money on energy bills without compromising comfort. A Natal technician can show you how to get the most out of your programmable thermostat’s energy-saving features.
When should I have my air duct system cleaned?
Air duct cleaning reduces excessive airborne dust and particles, unclogs restricted ducts and vents, and removes impacted material from blower fans and air conditioning coils. In the process, unhealthy mold, mildew, and bacteria are safely removed. If anyone in your family suffers from allergies, breathing or respiratory problems, or if you notice an excess of dust inside your home, you should consider having an experienced contractor like Natal Air Conditioning conduct a whole house air duct cleaning.
How can I tell when it’s time to replace my air conditioning system?
If your air conditioning system is getting noisy or needs repair more often, it could be time to consider a replacement. Any system over 10 years old is in the late stages of its lifecycle. Variables that influence life expectancy include the type of system, climate and the regularity of routine maintenance. When the day to purchase a new unit comes, you will enjoy significant gains in operating efficiency and energy savings. Ask a Natal Air Conditioning professional for input on equipment that would work best for you.