As Canadian summer creeps in, air conditioning becomes the talk of the town. Humidity rises and the need for a cool space to rest becomes crucial. Consider this your official guide to staying cool in the summer of 2023. We will answer the most frequently asked questions around air conditioning units and provide tips on how to use your AC (Air Conditioner) so that it lasts longer, how to know if it is time for a replacement and even how to change your filter to fight seasonal allergies.
What should I do if my air conditioner is running constantly? Do air conditioners need to rest?
Like anything around your house that you use constantly, if your AC runs all the time, it will only wear out quicker. However, a modern air conditioner will run impeccably well on “auto” – giving itself time to rest in between cycles so that it does not ice over. Give your AC time to rest and save yourself some money on bills this summer.
Do you need to change the filter on a central air conditioner?
Filters with a MERV rating of 7-12 will trap particles before they circulate through your home and end up causing you seasonal allergies. Consider replacing filters once a month if airborne allergens worsen. If you have reusable filters, locate your filter behind the main vent and wash it with warm water. Remove debris the same way you would a lint filter from your dryer and use a mild detergent depending on dirt levels. Sit to dry before placing it back into your heating and cooling unit.
What are the advantages of central air conditioners?
The main advantage of a central air conditioning is you get to control the temperature for the whole home straight from the thermostat with precise temperature setting to help you save a bunch of money on energy bills. It allows you to cool your entire house at once rather than room-by-room window units. Running multiple window units throughout your house can be quite expensive and inefficient.
When should I replace my air conditioner?
If your air conditioner is 10-15 years old and you’ve been quoted a repair bill that will cost you half of the value of the unit, then we suggest you invest in a replacement. Most of the big air conditioning costs arise from lack of maintenance – that’s why we try to remind all customers to change their filters once every three months (at least), clean the leaves and debris out of their units outside and get annual tune-ups to save themselves money in the long-run.
Which central air conditioner is rated the best? Why?
We suggest a line of top-rated, modern AC systems dependent on your style of home. These units have the best warranty, performance, and energy efficiency on the market. We offer a free Home Comfort Consultation where one of our advisors visits your home to understand your essential needs. They review the age and condition of your air conditioning unit and offer an upgrade suggestion when necessary.
What the Home Comfort Consultation will also provide:
• The basic function and use of your systems
• How to take care of your equipment to maximize lifespan and efficiency
• Available energy saving upgrades
• Visual inspections for obvious signs of wear, age, or damage
• A suggested solution tailored to your needs
Is working on air conditioners dangerous?
Old air conditioners can cause nasal issues, allergy problems, asthma, even lung infections. If you try to repair your air conditioner without expert knowledge, you place yourself at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or a fire.
How often do air conditioners usually break down?
Many ac units last 10-15 years depending on how well the owner has maintained and cleaned the filters. It is also important that you store your unit properly when the weather becomes cold. If your air conditioner breaks down earlier than the 10-to-15-year mark, we suggest calling an expert to have a tune-up.
Should I replace my 15-year-old air conditioner?
The Department of Energy states that most air conditioners run for 15-20 years. We suggest considering a replacement if yours is 15 years old and showing signs of trouble. You will save yourself money in the long run with an upgrade now.
If you have any questions about cooling your home and need assistance, Call Hy-Mark today to get free over-the-phone advice from a trusted consultant. You might not need a full air conditioning replacement but rather a repair; the consultant will provide the right solution for your home.
Call our office at (226) 917-2686 for a free Home Comfort Consultation.
