Frequently Asked Questions about Air Conditioning in Apopka, FL

The SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) measures the efficiency of your air conditioner or air-source heat pump. The SEER is the cooling output over a particular season divided by the total energy used in that same period. The higher the SEER, the greater the efficiency level of that cooling system.

Each split system cooling unit has a nominal SEER rating. For a higher rating your HVAC contractor can provide advice about an upgrade. The SEER rating of a system is based on the combination of equipment installed in the home. The outdoor equipment (heat pump or air conditioner), as well as the indoor equipment (evaporator coil and furnace, or air handler), play a vital role in the total rating.

Your heating and cooling systems work incredibly hard to perform their functions. The constant stopping, starting and general operation can wear down any machine. Proper care and maintenance help to keep these systems in optimum condition and ward off malfunction. By scheduling regular maintenance, you can maximize the life of your heating and cooling units and guard against many common equipment failures. Preventive maintenance inspections performed in spring for your AC and fall for your heater can uncover leaks, rust, rot, soot, frayed wires and corroded electrical contacts. Regular maintenance will ensure maximum efficiency and prevent other problems.

All heating and cooling equipment require annual professional tuneup. Inspections on boilers and furnaces should include ductwork, pipes, dampers, valves, the chimney, registers, radiators, pumps, blowers, fuel lines and the oil tank. Heat pump and air conditioning unit inspections should also include an examination of the fan, compressor, indoor coils, outdoor coils, and refrigerant lines.

The professionals at Complete Air Solutions are your troubleshooting experts, and we are glad to help you with any problem you may experience with your HVAC system. We provide informative blogs and articles on our website that address many common HVAC concerns. You may also call our office during normal business hours for more information. If you experience an HVAC crisis after hours, you can contact one of our on-call technicians for 24-7 emergency service.

Programmable thermostats are more accurate and efficient than thermostats that contain mercury. With a programmable thermostat, you can program settings in advance so that you can control the temperature at different times of the day. You will never have to worry about remembering to adjust the settings manually. By scheduling your programmable thermostat to a higher or lower temperature based on your weekday work hours, you can save money on energy bills without sacrificing comfort. An Complete Air Solutions technician will gladly walk you through how to use your programmable thermostat.

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. For optimal efficiency and filtration, we recommend that you replace your disposable filters at least once a month. If you have washable filters, you should clean them once a month during periods of heavy use

Filters for your unit may be made specifically for its brand. These filters may be made of different or higher-quality materials than those of the disposable filters found in retail stores. Check with your local dealer to find the appropriate filter for your air conditioner. However, keep in mind that some filters are reusable, and can be washed by hand in cold water.

Many factors affect the sizing and specifications of your system, including square footage, insulation, window surface and configuration, geographic location of your home, and duct sizing and arrangement. A technician from Complete Air Solutions can perform an in-home load analysis to determine which equipment combinations will perfectly suit your home and your family’s needs. Depending on the construction of your home, one (1) ton of air conditioning can cool anywhere from 300 to 800 square feet. You can ensure that the system you purchase is the right size and not smaller or larger than you require, by having your heating and cooling needs evaluated by a licensed professional.

HVAC systems last an average of 10 years. However, for your equipment, it may differ. Variables that affect life expectancy include the type of system, climate and the regularity of routine maintenance.

A1: R-410A is being phased out as part of global efforts to combat climate change. This refrigerant has a high global warming potential (GWP), contributing significantly to environmental harm. In its place, R-454B and R32 are being adopted, as they have much lower GWP values, reducing the environmental impact of HVAC systems. These new refrigerants are part of the broader goal to meet climate targets and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

A2: R-454B and R32 are modern refrigerants with a lower global warming potential compared to R-410A. R-454B is a blend of refrigerants designed to closely match the performance of R-410A while being more environmentally friendly. R32, a single-component refrigerant, is known for its high energy efficiency and lower GWP, making it an ideal choice for reducing the carbon footprint of HVAC systems. Both refrigerants ensure the same high performance but with less impact on the environment.

A3: We’ve taken proactive steps to ensure that we are fully prepared for this transition. Our team has completed specialized training on R-454B and R32, and we have implemented the necessary resources to support the transition. We are currently working on replacing old stock and modifying our systems to accommodate these new refrigerants. Our priority is to stay ahead of the January 1st deadline, ensuring seamless compliance with the regulations while delivering excellent service to our clients.

A4: The government-mandated deadline for phasing out R-410A is January 1st. As we are already in the midst of this transition, we are confident that we will be fully compliant by this date. Our team is actively working to ensure that all systems and services are updated accordingly, and we are here to guide our customers through the process as well.

A5: If your HVAC system currently uses R-410A, you may need to make adjustments to accommodate the new refrigerants. This could involve replacing the refrigerant or making other system modifications to ensure compatibility with R-454B or R32. Our expert technicians are available to assess your system and determine the most efficient path forward, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum performance under the new regulations.

A6: Not at all! R-454B and R32 are designed to offer performance levels similar to or even better than R-410A. In fact, both refrigerants are more energy-efficient, which could result in lower energy consumption and reduced operating costs for your HVAC system. The transition to these refrigerants not only aligns with environmental regulations but also improves the overall efficiency of your system.