IT'S HOT!!!!! Are you cool?

Well, the extreme heat finally made it!  And boy are we HOT! 

We have had a lot of questions in the past couple days about the operation of AC systems.  I thought we could share with everyone some of these questions and our tips on how to deal with this heat.  Also, check out our blogs from last week to get tips on "Ways to Keep Your Home Cool Without Breaking the Bank"!

The Number One Concern:
My AC isn't getting down to the temperature I have my thermostat set on.  Is it working?

Answer:
Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to this.  The State of North Carolina requires contractors to design HVAC systems to maintain at least an 18 degree temperature difference between the outside temperature and the indoor temperature.  So with that criteria, on a 105 degree day if your AC is maintaining 85 - 87 degrees, then it is performing up to design standard.

Now, that isn't to say that something isn't wrong.  Most units that we install or have maintained and are running properly maintain 78 - 82 degrees.  If the system is low on refrigerant or certain parts are going bad, you may be receiving some cooling but not enough to keep your home within those guidelines.

Bottomline:  When in doubt, give us a call.  We will be glad to take a look at the system and give you options that will keep you as cool as possible.

Question:
Is it normal for the AC to overheat and shutoff?

Answer:
No.  AC units are designed to run in extreme temperatures.  Give us a call ASAP!


Question:
Adding more refrigerant should make it colder, right?

Answer:
Refrigerant should only be added IF the system is low on refrigerant.  AC systems are designed for a specific amount of refrigerant.  Adding additional amounts will not make it colder, but it WILL make the AC run less efficient meaning, a higher power bill. 

Now, if your AC is low on refrigerant then the system has a leak.  AC systems are sealed and should not leak refrigerant.  As the refrigerant leaks out you receive less cooling, and again the AC runs less efficient meaning, a higher power bill.  Give us a call, and we will give you options!


Questions:
Will my unit running all the time make my power bill high?

Answer:
As long as your system has been maintained and is performing as efficient as that unit can, NO it will not make your power bill increase dramatically. AC units are designed to run for extended lengths of time. The AC unit uses the most "power" or amperage on startup. Therefore, a system that runs for long periods will cost less to operate than units that are not maintained and are shuting off and coming back on (short cycling) lots of times a day. Of course you are going to see some increase in your power bill this time of year, and if you do see a dramatic increase, give us a call and we will be glad to make sure your system is running at it's maximum efficiency!


Question:
Is there anything I can check?

Answer:
There are a couple things you can do.  Make sure your filters are clean and NOT stopped up.  Dirty filters cause the AC to not work properly or sometimes stop working completely.  Also, you can make sure you don't have a tripped breaker.  If you have a battery operated thermostat, be sure the batteries are good.  Otherwise, give us a call!

 

To make an appointment or get more information, give us a call!980-235-0055