Cooling FAQs
Our Home Cooling FAQs Answer Your Top Home Comfort Concerns
The experts at Martens Plumbing & Heating are committed to helping you stay comfortable at all times—especially in the middle of summer when the heat is at its highest. Whether you need some troubleshooting help or are just looking for some more information, you can find it here in our home cooling FAQs. And if you don’t find what you’re looking for, know you can always give us a call: 262-363-7146.
The answer depends on what type of AC you’re working with. In general, central air conditioners will last anywhere from 15 to 20 years (depending on how well you take care of it), heat pumps 15 years, and ductless systems 20 years.
- It’s 20 years old or older
- Warm air blows out instead of cold
- Your energy bills are sky high
- It rattles, scrapes, or grinds when it runs
- There’s ice on your current unit
Though the Department of Energy recommends 78 degrees for the optimal energy-comfort ratio, our experts suggest starting at 72 degrees. This will keep your home cool enough without breaking the bank on energy costs. And remember that the higher you set it in the summer, the more you’ll save.
To ensure your system is healthy, long lasting, and energy efficient at all times, you should schedule home air conditioning maintenance once every year—we suggest in the spring so your system is ready for the warm weather to come.
No, you don’t need to. In fact, we recommend you don’t—air conditioners are built to withstand the elements all year round, even in the harshest of winters. Plus, covered units are actually perfect for rodents and critters to set up shop during the fall and winter, meaning they could damage the system itself.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It’s a way of measuring cooling output over a typical season divided by the amount of energy used. Modern air conditioners have an average SEER of 13 or 14, but ratings can go as high as 30.
Have more HVAC questions? Feel free to contact us online or by phone: 262-363-7146.
We are committed to providing superior service and 100% customer satisfaction.