It always happens when it's hot. It's always unexpected. Your air conditioner has died and you are in a panic. You're miserable. It's too hot to be outside and it's too hot to be inside without air conditioning. You want a new system - FAST!

Unfortunately, there are people that prey on homeowners caught in this kind of sitaution. They sell you a cheap job, pressure you to buy, and then run down the road. Warranty? Forget about it. Sure, they will promise you one. But try finding them. Even if you do manage to track them down, try getting them to do anything in a hurry.

Occasionally The Most Expensive Air Conditioners Are The Lowest Priced

The difference between a good system and a bad one is the installation. There is a major difference between the quality of one installation and the next. Often enough, it's the subtle things that can make a difference. These can be the things that some homeowners may never notice, or even know to look for.

Did the contractor replace or clean contaminants out of the refrigerant line set? Did he install a filter-drier to protect the compressor? Is the condensing unit leveled ensuring the fan motor will operate efficiently? Did he measure the external static pressure to keep it within the air handler specifications? Are the duct transitions properly mated to seal hot attic air from your system? Will the contractor take out any necessary permits? Will I could go on and on...

You can always find a cheaper company. However, the cheaper work might end up costing you more.

Comfort problems can be corrected and they can be less costly that you would imagine. Comfort problems may be an indication of inefficient air conditioner operation.

When The Whole House Is Miserable...

• Clean The Outside Coil - Even a small amount of dust, dirt and particulate build up can reduce its ability transfer heat effectively and efficiently.
• Clean The Inside Coil - This is also hampered by the same efficiency reductions from dust and dirt build-up, especially if you use low-cost filters. This coil may be difficult to access. You may have to have it cleaned annualy by an air conditioning company.
• Fix Refirgerant Leaks - Leaks reduce cooling capacity, hurt the environment, and may even lead to compressor failure.
• Fix Duct System Leaks - These leaks can dramatically reduce the ability of an air conditioner to cool a home.
• Add Insulation - If the air conditioner is functioning properly, you may need additional insulation.
• Fix Outside Air Infiltration - Air enters and leaves your home through gaps around windows, doors, light switches, etc.. Homeowners can seal these points of infiltration or contact an air conditioning company to track them down and fix them.
• Improve Windows - You can fix some comfort problems with more efficient windows, installing solar screens or glazing.
• Upgrade Equipment - As air conditioners age, their capacity is reduced. You might want to consider replacing your old system with a modern energy efficient system.

When One Room Is Miserable...

• Replace Filters - Old, dirty filters can reduce fan airflow, starving rooms at the ends of long duct runs.
• Replace High Pressure Drop Filters - Replace them with low pressure drop filters or an electric air cleaner.
• Replace Inadequate Ducts - If one room is uncomfortable, it may be over pressurized, making it hard to deliver sufficient air to the room. Addiding a return air duct will often correct the problem.
• Add Zoning - Zoning systems allow individual room temprature control within a single air conditioning system.

 

 (*Furnaces, Air Handlers and Air Conditioning Equipment - etc, etc.)

1. No attic locations unless an equipment room has been constructed within!

If mechanical equipment is located in an attic there must be at least a

disappearing/pull-down stairway for access along with

catwalks, electrical receptacle and lighting in the attic.

2. No crawl space locations!

3. No crawl in locations!

4. No fungi locations!

5. No locations heavily overgrown with trees, plants or weeds!

6. No closely fenced in locations!

7. No closely walled in locations!

8. No zero clearance locations!

9. No out of reach locations!

10. No hidden locations!

11. No insect infested locations!

12. No kitty litter, urinative or fecal locations!

13. No extremely noisy locations!

14. No wet (under water) locations!

15. No muddy locations!

16. No surrounded by junk locations!

17. No rocky, hard on the knees, locations!

18. No long hike, walk, or climb locations!

19. No locations requiring the use of ladder more that six feet tall to access!

20. No locations with less than 42" of clear space and a level work platform in front

of equipment access doors or panels!

21. No downright dangerous locations!