1. What factors determine whether I should repair or replace my HVAC unit?
Residential HVAC systems, if installed properly and maintained annually as recommended by the manufacturer, are expected to last 12-15 years. However, HVAC companies often times end up replacing systems earlier than this when homeowners aren’t happy with performance, efficiency, or if the cost of repair is high. A calculation can be used to help homeowners determine the best option to repair or replace when the time comes. The company should walk the homeowner through that process.
2. Should an HVAC unit be annually maintenanced?
Yes, most companies offer maintenance plans twice a year as recommended by the manufacturer. If you are apart of our Rescue Club, we will call you when it’s maintenance time. This keeps the HVAC system's warranty valid, allowing better comfort, efficiency, and longer life expectancy of the system.
At Lyons Air Conditioning & Heating, we offer top-of-the-line, affordable HVAC maintenance services, inspections, and repairs to Rockwall homeowners and businesses to keep units running at optimal levels.
3. If an A/C ‘s fan runs continually but the house is still warm, what could be the problem?
Generally, if the outdoor condenser fan is running but the house isn’t cooling, it's because the compressor or outdoor capacitor isn’t operating properly. If just the indoor furnace/air handler fan is running and the outdoor unit isn’t running it could be because the homeowner has water in the pan and a Float Switch has tripped, or possibly the breaker tripped at the panel for the outdoor condenser. If the system trips the breaker, it should be checked, to determine the cause. The homeowner will want to be aware of this situation as soon as possible.
4. When we leave the house all day, Is it better to keep the same temperature setting on the AC or should we make the temp warmer so it won’t waste energy?
If the homeowner wants to return to a cool house in summer, we suggest leaving the unit on the same setting as normal or you may have to wait several hours on a really hot day to get the thermostat to drop temp. due to the heat load on the house being so high. With a WiFi or Programmable thermostat the homeowner will have more control to turn the a/c on a couple hours before you head home, but if the homeowner is going to raise the temperature, we suggest only raising it a few degrees or so or the system may struggle to get back to a comfortable temperature. Every house is different. The tighter the house is the less of a problem this is as well.
5. Does it matter what type of filter we use?
Yes, especially if you are one of the 60 percent of homeowners with undersized return air ducts. In that case, the homeowner can sometimes cause more harm than good by using a high-quality filter that is more restrictive air flow. If in doubt, use less expensive, pleated filters to maximize airflow. However, when a new unit is installed and the contractor knows the unit is working like it should, they should provide the homeowner with four-inch filters, as they allow much better filtration of allergens, a reduction in dust, and help keep the equipment cleaner, leading to extended equipment life.
6. What is the most common complaint or problem people have with their a/c & heat?
Often, homeowners will call stating, “The system is frozen up.” It's best to explain that they need to turn the unit off for four to six hours, allowing it to completely thaw before a diagnostic can be performed. Most of the time, it’s either a dirty filter, low refrigerant, or something that has prevented air flow through the system, such as a fan motor or capacitor failure. In most cases, they should be up and running that same day or by the next day.