Knowledge is power, and if you live in Naples or Ft. Myers, you already know that air conditioning is not something to take lightly. But what do you know about running your air conditioner system at top efficiency? At Certified Heating & Cooling, we find that our customers ask the following most frequently, so we’ve compiled them here for your convenience.
Q: Should I set my thermostat to “AUTO” or “ON”?
A: When set to “AUTO”, the air handler and condenser on your unit will turn on when required by the temperature setting. On the other hand, if set to “ON”, your fan will run continuously, even when the temperature in the house is cooler than the thermostat setting. Not only does this use more energy, but it draws humidity into the house, making it uncomfortable and causing your system to run longer and more frequently. In Southwest Florida, it is more efficient and comfortable to keep the setting on “AUTO”.
Q: What about the temperature setting?
A: You can save money by setting your thermostat to 78 degrees when you are home and turning it up a few degrees when you are away. Your Certified Technician can offer several energy saving options, such as programmable thermostats or thermostats that you can set from your smartphone when you aren’t home.
Q: When should I replace my air filters?
A: Change or clean your air filters every one to three months, but get into the habit of checking them regularly. Filters can get dirty faster at certain times of the year, such as in summer when you air conditioner runs more frequently or if you have animals. A dirty air filter can not only reduce the efficiency of your system, but can actually cause it to shut down. Call Certified Heating and Cooling to learn more about our indoor air quality products.
Q: What size system is best?
A: In order to determine the optimum size unit for your home, our Certified Technician will perform a load calculation. This is a professional evaluation that takes a number of factors into consideration: The square footage of your home, the climate, the number windows and door walls, the quality and type of insulation, the number of occupants, and so on. For maximum efficiency and comfort, it is very important to have a professional load calculation done before you buy a new system.
Q: What is a SEER rating?
A: SEER is an acronym for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio; by federal law, all cooling and heating equipment is required to have a SEER rating. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit. Greater efficiency, when coupled with smart system operation, translates to lower energy bills.
Q: Should I repair or replace my system?
A: Today’s heating and cooling systems feature much greater energy efficient than possible just ten years ago. It might be time to replace your system if:
- It is more than ten years old
- It requires frequent and costly repairs
- It doesn’t keep you comfortable
- Your energy bills keep rising
When it’s time for a new system, Certified Heating and Cooling can calculate the best option for you based on your needs. We can also help you extend the life and efficiency of your current system with our Blue Ribbon Maintenance Program: This is a regularly scheduled maintenance program which pays for itself in terms of energy and repair savings.
We have all the answers! Call us at (239) 204-4114 for award winning service from Naples to Ft Myers.
