Q. How long can I expect my air conditioner or furnace to last?
A. Most air conditioners and furnaces will last 15-20 years. However, newer systems are more efficient and require less electricity and fuel to operate resulting in lower electric and fuel bills. A new air conditioner or furnace with minimum Federal Government efficiency ratings can save you approximately 40% on electric bills and 20%-30% on fuel bills.

Q. Some air conditioners have SEER rating. What is that?
A. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating and measures the efficiency of the air-conditioning unit. The higher the SEER rating on an air conditioner, the lower the energy bill.

Q. Should I install an air conditioner with the highest SEER rating available?
A. The minimum efficiency the Federal Government allows to be sold is 10 SEER. “Standard” efficiency is 10 SEER. “Maximum” efficiency is 12 SEER. Although the initial investment is greater for an air conditioner with a 12 SEER rating, the investment will pay for itself through electrical savings within about five to seven years. However, regardless of the SEER rating you choose it is important that the air-conditioning unit be the appropriate size for the space in which it is installed so that a proper humidity level can be maintained. Otherwise, your room will be cool, but will feel muggy.

Q. Should I install the biggest air conditioner I can find?
A. A larger air-conditioner will cool your home or room more quickly. However, it will use more electricity and will not maintain a proper humidity level. You also run the risk of freezing the coil inside the air conditioner. If the coil freezes, the air conditioner will not run at all. It is important to have the right size air conditioner for the amount of space you are trying to cool. Buying an air conditioner that is either too small or too large is not recommended.

Q. Can I add central air conditioning to my home if I have a forced air furnace?
A. Yes. However, central air conditioners require more air flow than forced air furnaces so more duct work may be needed and the electrical service may need to be upgraded.

Q. Can I install a different brand of air conditioner to work with my existing air conditioner?
A. Yes.

Q. Can a “cracked” furnace be serious?
A. Yes. The heat exchanger transfers heat from the gas flame of the furnace to air in the house. If the heat exchanger is cracked or has a hole in it, the fumes, including carbon monoxide, mix with the air that enters the home. As we all know, carbon monoxide is lethal. A cracked heat exchanger can be replaced. However, if the exchanger is no longer under warranty, it would be wiser economically to install a newer, more efficient furnace.

Q. Will my carbon monoxide detector advise me if I have a cracked furnace?
A. Not necessarily. Carbon monoxide detectors have a minimum threshold before they sound alarm and small amounts of carbon monoxide have an accumulative effect. Every home should have a carbon monoxide detector, but they should not replace having a yearly preventive maintenance call to make sure your furnace is in proper working order.

Q. Should I install the biggest furnace I can find?
A. An oversized furnace will warm your home more quickly. However, it will use more fuel in doing so than a properly sized furnace. A properly sized furnace will take longer to heat your home, but will use less fuel and maintain an even temperature.