FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ... AND ANSWERS!

Do air conditioners still use Freon?

Most of the air conditioner systems installed since 1970 have used a refrigerant labeled R-22, commonly called Freon, which is a trade mark of the DuPont Corporation. The manufacture of equipment and products using refrigerant R-22 will cease by the year 2010. R-22 refrigerant production will end in the year 2020. Supplies of R-22 will become scarce and it's cost will continue to rise. Alternate refrigerants have been introduced such as R-410A in 1997, and R134A.

 How often do I need to add Freon?

Hopefully, never. Once the system is properly charged with refrigerant during installation, the system should remain closed and leak free. If you need to add refrigerant from time to time, there is a leak that must be repaired.

What causes refrigerant leaks and how can they be prevented?

Most leaks develop in the evaporator coil, which is located in the unit inside your house. The coil is subject to alternating heat and cold causing expansion and contractions, and holes may develop in the copper tubing (coil) over a period of time. Repair is not practical and replacement is usually the best way to fix the problem.

Do I need a special furnace for A/C?

Most of the furnaces manufactured today are air conditioning ready, meaning they have a multi-speed blower motor and built in relays and terminal strips to accommodate A/C.

How do I take care of my air conditioner?

The most important thing to remember about air conditioning is: Airflow is all important. The air filter installed in your furnace also cleans the air for your air conditioner. Filter maintenance is critical to allow proper airflow to the cooling coil. Many electrostatic filters are too restrictive after a very short use time and their use is discouraged during the cooling season. A dirty filter may cause enough loss of airflow to lead to freezing of the indoor coil. The indoor coil will need to be cleaned from time to time to eliminate dirt build up on the coil. The condensate drain should be kept clear to prevent flooding or water damage. The outdoor unit should be cleaned from time to time. Remove leaves, vines, cottonwood lint, fire ants, and etc. to maintain reliable, efficient operation.

What is a ton?

A ton of cooling is 12,000 Btu. A two ton system will have a cooling capacity of 24,000 Btu., a three ton system 36,000 Btu., etc. Each ton of cooling requires approximately 400 cfm. of air flow.

How often should I change the filter?

This varies depending on a number of things including the size of your system and type of filter. You can easily tell if your filter is becoming clogged by checking it regularly and feeling it's resistance while pulling it away from the filter grill with the fan running. If in doubt replace it monthly.

Don't ignore your heating and cooling system.

The old but true cliché "out of sight, out of mind" is often the reason for neglected maintenance guidelines for your HVAC system. HVAC systems are usually installed where they aren't seen, such as in a section of the attic, a closet, on rooftops, or in mechanical rooms, making them easy to ignore. The systems are simply taken for granted, until they fail. Decreased efficiency, utility overpayment, discomfort, loss of productivity, eventual premature replacement, and higher repair costs are the result. Just because your HVAC system is out of sight, does not mean it can be neglected. Getting your HVAC system checked twice annually is just as important as changing the oil in your car every 4,000 miles!

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