When should I service my HVAC system? It's running well, is it even necessary?
Systems should be serviced before the stress of extreme weather. You should schedule system maintenance late winter/early spring and late summer/early fall to ensure you're home or business stays comfortable, no matter what Mother Nature throws at it! Servicing your HVAC will also help to keep it running efficiently and help to prevent costly repairs. Sign up for a Preventative Maintenance Agreement with Unlimited Air Mechanical and we will contact you when it's time to prepare your system for it's hardest work.
When should I consider replacing my aging system?
In general, once repairs start to approach 30% of the replacement cost, it becomes more cost effective to install a new system. If your system is aged, it may be beneficial to replace it and reap the benefits of a newer, more energy efficient system. A system approaching 10 years old can be up to half as efficient as it's newer replacement.
What about Freon (R-22) being replaced?
A refrigerant known as Freon, or R-22, used to be the most commonly used air conditioner refrigerant. However, due to it's suspected contribution to ozone depletion, the Environmental Protection Agency banned new systems from using the refrigerant in 2010. By 2020, all production of R-22 must cease. As a result of this legislation the cost of R-22 continues to rise, making any repairs or recharges to these systems increasingly expensive. If your system was installed before 2010, it is probably using R-22. If so, consider upgrading to a new R-410A system. R-410A, also known as Puron, is not only ozone friendly but is also much more cost efficient, making these systems cheaper to maintain and repair.
How often should I change my air filters?
Filters should be changed at the minimum every 3 months. If you have pets you may need to change filters more frequently to keep your air quality healthy and your system running efficiently.
