Air Conditioning FAQ

Dependable Answers to Your Common Questions

Have a question about your air conditioner or an air conditioning service? You’re probably not alone! Check out our short FAQ for some answers to some of the most common questions we receive.

General Air Conditioner FAQ

How long will my air conditioner last?

Systems that are better-kept will last longer while those that run many long hours with no maintenance will die far sooner. As a general rule of thumb, when your air conditioner reaches 20 years of age, you should start planning to replace it. However, air conditioners can last 25 or even 30 years when well-maintained (which is why we place such a huge importance on maintenance).

Why is my AC blowing hot air?

There are several possible answers to this question, so it’s best to call a professional and have them conduct a thorough inspection. However, hot air is typically a sign that your air conditioner isn’t cooling the refrigerant in your lines anymore. Either your compressor has given out, a leak has formed somewhere, or some other problem is preventing heat from leaving your system, and therefore your system can’t produce any cold air. We recommend booking a service right away.

What temperature should my AC be set at?

This is ultimately a personal comfort decision. Some people need to keep their home cooler while others are more tolerant of a warmer internal temperature. However, ENERGY STAR recommends setting your thermostat to no colder than 68 degrees to maximize efficiency during the peak of summer season. During the peak hours of the day, you might even want to consider bumping that temperature up to 70 degrees or so to minimize energy consumption as well. 

Air Conditioner Replacement FAQ

How much does a new air conditioner cost?

This might be the single most common question we receive, and unfortunately there really is no easy answer to it. Every new AC installation is so different from every other installation that there really isn’t any fast or simple way to get an answer without a comprehensive professional inspection and evaluation. 

The costs begin with the retail price of your new system, but that price fluctuates wildly based on what features and capacity you want. From there, there will always be a labor cost for the installation, and that can also raise an installation project’s price if you need code violations corrected, any new infrastructure installed, and any ductwork services as a part of your replacement service.

How often should I replace my air conditioner?

There really isn’t a straightforward answer to this question—as long as your air conditioner is continuing to work well and isn’t burning through an excessive amount of energy, you might as well keep running it. However, air conditioners do wear out with age, but how long that takes varies from unit to unit. Likewise, a system may appear perfectly healthy one day and completely die the next with little to no warning whatsoever. 

As a general rule of thumb, if your air conditioner is still within its expected lifespan, it is probably better to repair the problem. If your air conditioner is older than its expected lifespan and needs a major repair that would probably be money better spent on a replacement, then consider a full, outright replacement.

Do I have to replace both my condenser and my evaporator?

In some cases, it may be possible to restore an air conditioner by replacing the key component that has failed. However, doing so is typically not advised. Air conditioners are only as efficient as their least-efficient component, and mixing a new compressor with an old evaporator will yield very little energy savings. Likewise, the two are not designed to work together, and that could cause extra strain on both pieces. As a general rule, we do not advise partial replacements.

Air Conditioner Repair FAQ

How often should I service my AC?

If you want to avoid a costly air conditioner repair bill, increasing reliability is key. We recommend having your air conditioner professionally maintained once a year, preferably in spring before the warm season really begins, in order to make sure availability is still fairly high and your system is ready for you when you need it.

When should I call for a repair?

If your air conditioner has completely shut down and won’t turn on again, call for a repair right away. If your air conditioner is exhibiting any sort of strange behavior, such as making a loud noise or emitting a weird smell, don’t delay in calling for service. In many cases, the sooner you have the problem looked at, the better. Waiting can often lead to things getting far worse and your issue becoming an even bigger and more expensive repair. 

What do you repair?

We repair everything that might go wrong with your air conditioner! From electrical faults to thermostat issues to motor and compressor problems, we get to the bottom of your problem and offer repairs that are effective, long-lasting, and affordable.