FAQ - Air Conditioners

How do I know when to replace my air conditioner?
No one wants to replace their aging air conditioner unless they have to, but if only for the sake of sky-rocketing energy costs, it has to be done.

The most common reason for replacing an air conditioner is compressor failure. The compressor is the heart of any Central Air Conditioner; it cannot be repaired and must be replaced. Generally the cost of replacement is equal to about 50% of the cost of a brand new air conditioner.

If your air conditioner is 10 years old or more when the compressor goes, it is usually more economical to replace the whole air conditioner. At this stage, it is only a matter of time before other parts begin to wear out as well.

Air conditioning technology is producing increasingly energy efficient and environmentally-friendly units. If you're not sure whether to replace your older unit, talk to your ClimateCare contractor.

Does the size of the air conditioner matter?
Air conditioners are like shoes: when they don't fit, you’re uncomfortable. The key to an efficiently cooled home is an air conditioning system that is tailored to the house. When professional contractors size an air conditioner, they perform a heat-load calculation. This takes into account such factors as the size of the house, the number of occupants, the amount of window space, the insulation values of the house, and the amount of sunlight exposure the house receives.

Many people naturally assume that a bigger air conditioner means more cooling power. However, when an air conditioner is too big for a house, it cools the indoor air too quickly before shutting off. It stops before all of the humidity can be removed from the air. As a result, the indoor air becomes cold and damp - the perfect growing conditions for molds and bacteria.

Often, an air conditioning unit that is slightly undersized for the home delivers the most efficient cooling job. Your ClimateCare contractor will have a thorough understanding of all the critical factors to determine the correct size of air conditioner for your home.

Is energy efficiency important when I’m shopping for an air conditioner?
If you’re concerned about your utility bill or the environment, an air conditioner's SEER number is an extremely important factor to consider. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which is a measure of how much cooling you get for a given amount of energy. The current standard of high-efficiency in an air conditioner is 14 SEER or higher.

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