Home Air Conditioning FAQ
Home Air Conditioning Questions & Information
Have air conditioning questions regarding efficiency, air filters, or your warranty? Be sure to read our list of home air conditioning FAQ by homeowners. Don’t hesitate to call and speak with a technician we are always happy to share our expertise.
Heating & Air Conditioning Questions
- What is the SEER Rating?
- Why is the SEER rating on the Energy Guide different than what my dealer quoted?
- Why should I have regular (or preventative) maintenance? And how often should I have it performed?
- What equipment requires regular (or preventative) maintenance?
- I need help troubleshooting a problem with my equipment.
- What are the advantages of a programmable thermostat?
- What type of filter should I use? And how often should I replace it?
- Why can’t I find the correct size furnace filter at my local home improvement store for my Carrier® Brand Equipment?
- Where can I get parts for my Carrier® equipment?
- Which Carrier® equipment will best fit my home?
- What does my warranty cover?
- What is the life expectancy of my unit?
What is the SEER Rating?
The SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) is how the efficiency of your heating and cooling equipment is measured. The SEER is the amount of cooling your system will deliver per dollar spent on electricity when compared with other systems. For example, a three-ton unit may have a SEER efficiency rating of 13, 14, or 15. The higher the SEER the more efficient the system will be. The SEER rating of any given unit can range anywhere from 13 to 17.
Why is the SEER rating on the Energy Guide different than what my dealer quoted?
Each split system cooling unit has a nominal SEER rating. This rating can be increased with the upgrade of the same series indoor unit. The SEER rating of a system is derived 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.
Why should I have regular (or preventative) maintenance? And how often should I have it performed?
Your heating and cooling systems work incredibly hard to perform their functions for your home every day. The constant stopping, starting, and continual operation can wear down any machine if the proper care and maintenance are delayed. However, by performing regular maintenance, you can maximize the lifecycle of your heating or cooling unit and guard against many common equipment failures. Preventive maintenance inspections performed on a regular basis can uncover leaks, rust, rot, soot, frayed wires, and corroded electrical contacts that the naked eye may not notice. You should have maintenance done on your system regularly to ensure maximum efficiency and prevent other problems.
What equipment requires regular (or preventative) maintenance?
At least once a year heat pumps and air conditioners require a professional tuneup. Because gas-fired equipment functions with greater efficiency, they only need to be serviced every other year. Inspections on boiler and furnace systems should include ductwork, pipes, dampers, valves, the chimney, registers, radiators, pumps, blowers, fuel lines, the gas meter, the oil tank, and every part of the actual furnace and boiler. Meanwhile, heat pump and air conditioning unit inspections should also include inspections of the fan, compressor, indoor coils, outdoor coils, line kits, and refrigerant lines.
I need help troubleshooting a problem with my equipment.
As your local Carrier® dealer, Riley Heating & Air Conditioning is your troubleshooting expert and is glad to help you. In addition, Carrier® also provides a network of troubleshooting technicians at Carrier® distribution centers across the country which Riley Heating & Air Conditioning will utilize to solve your concern. Should we encounter a situation that requires additional factory help, we will contact our factory supported service managers for assistance. Contact us now for assistance.
What are the advantages of a programmable thermostat?
Since they are electronic, programmable thermostats are more accurate and efficient than thermostats that contain mercury. With programmable thermostats, you can control the temperature in your home at different times of day without ever touching your thermostat. Because everything is automatic, you will never forget to change the setting on your own.
What type of filter should I use? And how often should I replace it?
Standard filters work to keep your system and its ductwork clean, but they don’t really improve indoor air quality. To do that you need a media filter. The media filter rests between the main return duct and the blower cabinet and will improve dust and particle removal by seven times that of a standard filter. However, upgrading to a pleated media filter will remove everything from insecticide dust to airborne viruses from the air. Always choose a filter that matches your blower’s capacity. For optimum efficiency and filtration, Riley Heating & Air Conditioning recommends that you replace your disposable filters at least once a month. If you have washable filters, they should be cleaned once a month.
Why can’t I find the correct size furnace filter at my local home improvement store for my Carrier® Brand Equipment?
The filter shipped with your Carrier® unit is made from higher-quality materials than those of the disposable filters found in retail stores. For that reason, replacement Carrier® filters can only be purchased through a Carrier® dealer. However, keep in mind that some Carrier® filters are reusable, and can be washed by hand in cold water.
Where can I get parts for my Carrier® equipment?
As a Carrier® dealer, Riley Heating & Air Conditioning is the best resource for identifying and supplying the correct parts for your system. Contact us today for assistance.
Which Carrier® equipment will best fit my home?
There are many factors that affect the sizing and specifications of your system, including square footage, insulation, window surface, and configuration, geographic location of your home, duct sizing and arrangement, and many others. Riley Heating & Air Conditioning can perform an in-home load analysis to determine which equipment combinations will perfectly suit your home and your family’s needs. Depending upon the construction of your home, one (1) ton of air conditioning can cool anywhere from 300 to 800 square feet of home. The only way to ensure the size of the system you purchase will be large enough to cool your home, but not any larger than you need, is to have your home’s individual heating and cooling needs evaluated by a licensed professional.
What does my warranty cover?
Under the standard factory warranty, Carrier® covers parts that fail during the warranty period due to defects in the part. The warranty does not cover labor. A warranty certificate was included with your homeowner information packet and is specific to the model numbers, serial numbers, and installation dates of your products. If you cannot find your warranty certificate, Riley Heating & Air Conditioning will also be able to provide you with the information. Contact us today.
What is the life expectancy of my unit?
Dependable Carrier® products are among the longest lasting heating and cooling products available. For your specific equipment, there are many variables that affect life expectancy, including of course, routine maintenance.
When you have heating & air conditioning questions we have answers. Call our team today!
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