Do you believe your HVAC contractor will be truthful in their responses?
We understand that you may have concerns when choosing a new HVAC service provider to install a new unit, perform routine maintenance, or repair damaged equipment. We have come to understand the HVAC-related queries consumers have but are hesitant to ask. That may be the case because you don’t believe a service provider who is merely trying to sell you services will present you with an honest response.
Today, we’re going to give you the honest truth about those tricky HVAC questions. Since AC & Heating Experts Princeton has been in business for more than years and is the top HVAC service provider in the Princeton, NJ metro area, we can back up what we’re saying with a lot of statistics. Whether you ask your provider these questions, watch to see if you get the same answer.
The Top 5 HVAC questions you have with credible responses
How long should my brand-new air conditioner last?
Light commercial systems are typically built to last 15 to 20 years. However, a variety of conditions can shorten its life expectancy. In Princeton, New Jersey, rooftop and outdoor equipment is exposed to smog, which can cause corrosion and debris buildup and damage equipment. It also applies to chemical exposure, which happens frequently in manufacturing operations.
The most typical reason for an air conditioner’s early mortality is certainly neglect. To ensure that your system has the longest possible life, it must be frequently cleaned and maintained. That means you should have your air conditioner properly cleaned and tuned up by a licensed HVAC technician at least twice a year (once before start-up in the spring and once after system shut-down in the fall). The greatest price and reminders are provided if you have a yearly maintenance contract.
Does investing in regular maintenance actually pay off?
As I previously indicated, AC & Heating Experts Princeton maintains and fixes tens of thousands of HVAC systems a year (sometimes every month during the peak season!). As a result, this response is based on extensive knowledge. I can vouch for the fact that our clients with preventative maintenance contracts, whose equipment is well-maintained, face fewer breakdowns and expensive repairs than those who neglect cleaning, tune-ups, and replacing worn parts. Preventative maintenance increases the longevity of your equipment in addition to helping you save money on repairs.
Additionally, you might be able to lower your energy costs. As debris and deposits build up on coils, fan blades, and other components of the air conditioner, the metal corrodes and eventually fails. Additionally, it stresses the system by forcing it to run continually to maintain the space’s cooling, using up additional electricity in the process. The parts are kept in good condition and the appliance performs as efficiently as possible with regular cleaning.
Can’t I have my maintenance crew clean the HVAC system?
In some circumstances, yes. Having your cleaning staff frequently dust the coils and clear the area surrounding the unit is a terrific idea, especially if your air conditioner is working hard. Ensure that water is not used near the electrical components!
Still, the system requires at least twice a year of professional cleaning. We use specialized chemical cleaners to remove scale and buildup from parts that are dangerous for maintenance workers without the necessary skills to handle such fan blades. We maintain drip pans empty and drain lines free of debris to prevent the growth of mold. The electrical connections, refrigerant charge, and wear and tear on the system’s parts are all examined by certified HVAC professionals. Your cleaning staff shouldn’t be handling these duties.
My air conditioner has malfunctioned once more. Is it worth fixing, or would it be more cost-effective to replace it?
The following variables affect the answer:
- How old is the unit? It might be more economical to replace it if it is more than ten years old and, especially, if it has a history of issues.
- How well-maintained has it been? It’s far more likely that you can keep it running longer if the unit has been periodically cleaned, tuned up, and the parts are in good shape.
- What needs fixing? If the compressor or leaky coils are the issue, repair costs would likely be prohibitive. However, if the issue is electrical, it can be inexpensive and straightforward to remedy.
- Use of the EPA-phased-out R22 refrigerant (Freon) by the unit is a concern. If so, you might have to replace it shortly nonetheless.
When the air conditioner is operating in the summer, my electric bill soars. How can I lower this cost?
There are numerous ways to significantly increase your air conditioner’s energy efficiency, including changing the filters, doing routine preventative maintenance like cleaning the coils and fan blades, and installing a programmed thermostat. A few degrees of temperature adjustment can also save you more money than you might think, especially when fewer people are using the building.
By swapping out an outdated system for a brand-new one, you can save even more money. A new unit uses so little electricity that the energy savings it generates quickly cover its cost. If you know the SEER rating of your current system, you can figure out how much you’ll save. A modern model with a SEER of 18 can help you save as much as 50% on your energy costs compared to an older model with a SEER rating of 8 to 10 (which was thought to be efficient 10 to 15 years ago).
The new method to identify a reliable HVAC service provider
How can you be sure that the HVAC company in Princeton is reliable? Before working with someone for a while, it can be challenging to know that. What if you weren’t forced to rely on trust? What if your service provider could demonstrate their work to you during maintenance and repair visits in order to give proof?
By recording service calls with customers after the appointment, we at AC & Heating Experts Princeton have been doing just that. By doing this, we make it easier for larger business clients to understand the issues we’re addressing with consumers and for consumers to understand the status of the work being done at various locations. Clients just adore it.