Air Conditioner Repair

SEER is the abbreviation for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The US government uses SEER as a standard energy efficiency rating, reflecting the overall system efficiency of your cooling system. Since 2006, all residential air conditioners sold in the United States must have a SEER score of 13 or higher.

EER is short for Energy Efficiency Ratio and doesn’t take into consideration the time of year, but rather the system’s energy efficiency at the peak operating use. Both ratings should be considered in choosing cooling products.

The Federal government developed the ENERGY STAR program for high efficiency central air conditioning systems. In order to quality, the system must have a SEER of at least 14.

We install multiple options of Air Conditioners and our most trusted brands are Amana, Goodman and Daikin for Mini Splits. There are a handful of specific units that we will recommend depending on the size of your home and expected usage.

If your Air Conditioner is showing any of these signs we recommend preparing for a replacement:

• Age: Most units last roughly 10-15 years, anything beyond that is prone to breakdowns and likely less efficient than newer models.
• Frequent Repairs: On occasion repairs are needed but if you are running into issues every year it may be a better investment to review a replacement.
• Increased Energy Bill: This is a sign your unit may be losing efficiency and working harder than it should be.
• Uneven cooling: If you are noticing one room is hotter than the others it is possible your unit is not producing adequate AC.
• Strange Noises: Humming is common, but if you are noticing loud or unusual noises like banging or grinding this could be a major malfunction.
• Refrigerant Leaks: If you frequently are having your AC recharged chances are you have a leak and likely need to review a repair or replacement.

Trust our experts to do a full diagnosis to see if you should review a replacement, or if your unit is repairable.

Air conditioning size is a major factor when deciding on a replacement unit and choosing incorrectly can lead to a unit that is undersized for your home resulting in frequent breakdowns due to over exertion from your AC unit. When we review replacements we factor in your square footage, usage, and ceiling height to determine your ideal system.

Manufacturers recommend AC Inspection in the Early Spring or Early Fall. This will ensure your unit is working efficiently and effectively during its busiest time. Call us today to ensure you are ready for the heat and schedule your visit today!

When it comes to changing your AC Filter most manufactures will recommend every 1-3 months. Air quality can play a major factor in this as well, if you live in a densely populated area or in the country with a lot of pollen you may need to replace more frequently.

There are a handful of factors that play a part in determining how long an air conditioner typically lasts. With proper maintenance we have seen Air Conditioners last over 20 years! However the general life expectancy of an AC unit is 10-15 Years.

To keep your AC running efficiently we recommend the following which can also play a part in lowering energy bills:

1. Charge Filters Regularly: Air filters should be replaced every 1-3 months.
2. Schedule Maintenance: AC maintenance is very important and can help discover issues before they happen.
3. Programmable Thermostat: Set temperatures higher when you are away and set to lower when you are home.
4. Ceiling Fans: Ensure your fans are rotating properly for the season to distribute cool air.
5. Unblock Vents: Ensure toys, furniture, and curtains are not blocking air flow.
6. Appliance Awareness: We recommend using appliances such as dryers, and ovens when the sun goes down and at the very least try to use these systems when it is not peak sunshine.
7. Upgrading your Old System: If your unit is 10-15 years old it may have lost its effectiveness and efficiency.

Need to schedule a maintenance visit or want to review a replacement? Trust the Best of the Best!

When your AC is blowing warm air there may be several issues. Here are some frequent issues:

• Thermostat: Check your thermostat is set to cool, and the temperature is set to lower than your room temperature.
• Air Filter: A clogged filter can restrict airflow resulting in your unit working extra hard. Replace filter as needed.
• Refrigerant Leak: Low refrigerant can prevent your AC from cooling properly and requires professional attention.
• Frozen Coils: Should your evaporator coil freeze your unit will not cool effectively. This is caused by restricted airflow or low refrigerant.
• Vents: Ensure your vents are open and not obstructed.
• Bad Compressor: Your AC Compressor helps circulate refrigerant. Should it go bad, your home won’t cool.

After checking all of these issues, if you are still experiencing issues contact Livingston County’s Best of the Best!

Although your furnace or air conditioner may be working, if it is more than 12 years old you should consider replacing it with a new high efficiency system.

A new heating and air conditioning system could save up to 50% on energy costs, and save you money in the long run on repairs. More efficient systems will also keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

In the summer we tend to see our energy bill increase due to an increased use in our Air Conditioners, but if you have noticed a significant increase that could be due to one of the following factors:

1. Inefficient AC: Older or poorly maintained systems have to work harder and use more energy to cool your home.
2. Dirty Air Filters: These will restrict the air flow resulting in increased energy usage from your AC.
3. Poor Insulation: Gaps in windows and/or doors allow cool air to escape, thus leading your AC work overtime to cool your home.
4. Thermostat Settings: If possible we recommend keeping your homes temperature to 78 degrees in the warmer months to keep energy consumption low.
5. Sunlight and frequent Door & Window Usage: Keep your drapes closed if possible during peak sunshine hours, and refrain from keeping doors or windows open for an extended period of time if possible. To ensure your unit is remaining efficient you can schedule a consultation with one of our award winning HVAC technicians!

To ensure your unit is remaining efficient, you can schedule a consultation with one of our award winning HVAC technicians!

Loud Noises from your AC can indicate multiple issues:

• Banging: Your fan, or motor may be loose or broken.
• Squealing: Worn out belts, motors, or fan. May be a simple fix with lubrication or replacement.
• Rattling: Loose screws, or cage can vibrate and create a rattling sound.
• Hissing: Likely a refrigerant leak or issue with the expansion valve.
• Grinding: Possibly a major issue with the fan or motor requiring immediate attention.

Since your HVAC system has a life expectency of about 12 years, replacing your system is a big financial decision!

When choosing a contractor, pick a company to install the unit based on quality and customer service. The name brand of the equipment is often not as important as the installing contractor.

A Mrs. Michael HVAC technician makes sure your duct system is sealed tight with the proper amount of return air, and that you’re replacing your unit with one properly sized to your home.

In general covering your outdoor unit may have a small impact during the winter but is not necessary as most modern units are designed to withstand cold temperatures. If you do decide to cover your unit we recommend a breathable cover and cleaning your unit in the spring prior to use.