Tips & Frequently Asked Questions : FAQ's
Air Conditioning and Heating
How does an air conditioner work?
An air conditioner transfers heat from the inside of a building (where it is not wanted) to the outside. Refrigerant in the system absorbs the excess heat and is pumped through a closed system of piping to an outside coil. A fan blows outside air over the hot coil, transferring heat from the refrigerant to the outdoor air. Because the heat is removed from the indoor air, the indoor area is cooled.
Is central air conditioning better than window units?
This depends largely on your individual circumstances. For example, a contractor might ask questions such as: how large is the area to be air conditioned? How large is your family? How well is your house insulated? Central systems require internal ducting, while window units take up valuable window space. As a general rule, if more than three large rooms need air conditioning, it is best to consider central air conditioning. Contact Allatoona Heating & Cooling, Inc. for advice about your particular needs.
How do the components of an Indoor Comfort System work together?
Central air conditioners are known as split systems, which means they have both an outdoor unit (called a condensing unit or compressor) and an indoor unit (a coil). Allatoona matches an outdoor (condensing) unit with the appropriate indoor (fan coil) unit and furnace to make sure the components of every system we install work together to provide top performance and comfort.
Manufacturers offer a wide range of air conditioners with efficiency ratings from 10.0 to 17.0 SEER and with additional comfort features such as two-speed or variable speed operation. Your Allatoona technician can help you choose the best system and features for your needs.
Should I augment my central air conditioning system with other air conditioners or ceiling fans?
If you need to use other air conditioners with a central air conditioning system, your central system probably is undersized or the air distribution system is imbalanced. You can consult an air conditioning contractor like Allatoona to evaluate your situation. Ceiling fans can be a good idea with some indoor comfort systems because they circulate air that tends to stagnate at the top of rooms with high ceilings.
If my air conditioner is no longer cooling properly, what is the most likely problem?
It could be as simple as replacing a fuse, resetting a circuit breaker or checking to see if the thermostat is set properly. If an electrical problem isn't the cause, the refrigerant may be low, especially if the system still runs but does not cool properly. This can be corrected by having an EPA-certified technician add necessary refrigerant. Most likely, if the problem involves any major part, such as the compressor, you would hear strange noises similar to those of any mechanical equipment not running correctly or the unit might not run at all.
Can homeowners repair their own air conditioners?
In most cases, definitely not. Cooling systems today are more complicated to service and usually require expert attention in order to comply with federal regulations, such as the Clean Air Act, which prohibits releasing refrigerants into the atmosphere. An EPA-certified air conditioning contractor or service technician should be called at the first sign of trouble.
When do I know it's time to replace my system?
When the system starts giving you more problems than seem cost-effective to fix, particularly when major components such as the compressor begin making unusual noises or otherwise indicate the need for a service call. When faced with major repairs, consult several contractors for their recommendations. Replacing a compressor is somewhat less expensive than replacing the entire unit, but new units may give you greater efficiency and lower operating costs in the long run.
Which is better – letting a central cooling system wear out before replacing it, or replacing it before it wears out?
Because newer equipment usually is more energy efficient than older central air conditioning or heat pump systems, you might actually save money by replacing your old system before it completely wears out. In some cases, the money you save in reduced utility costs could pay back the purchase price of a new system years earlier than you expect.
What causes a condensate water leak problem?
The cooling (evaporator) coil is part of the air-conditioning system. It is located inside the house, normally in a closet or in the attic. It creates condensation by removing the moisture from the air of your house during the cooling process. Ordinarily a drain pan under the coil collects the water. When the drain line carrying this water becomes clogged or other problems exist, condensate water overflows in the house.
Drainline clogs can have several causes, including:
- Algae build-up (this is the #1 cause of drain line clogs and, therefore, condensate water leaks)
- Crimped drain lines
- Settling of wood platforms causing unleveled drain lines
- Snakes, animals or rodents
- Poor system maintenance
- Airborne debris bypassing the filter
- Insulation from the attic
How much water is produced every day by my air conditioning system?
Most air conditioning systems produce 5-9 gallons of water per day, depending on several factors, including the outdoor humidity level and thermostat setting. When this water isn't discharged normally, the result can be major water damage and costly repairs.
