HVAC FAQs

Why Is It Important to Have My System Maintained?

A maintained system will last longer and provide more trouble free operation. It also keeps it’s rated energy efficiency longer than one that isn’t. Peace of mind. Though not all breakdowns can be prevented, replacing a worn item before it fails can prevent catastrophic failure of major components.

Just as replacing worn tires prevents a blowout at highway speeds; here in the desert southwest your home air conditioner gets the equivalent of your car driving 45,000 miles (72,420.48 kilometers) every summer.

When Should I Repair My Unit and When Should I Replace It?

To the right is a chart to help you with this decision-making process. It is based on the premise that with each year of use the system will have a loss of performance and efficiency. As well as the efficiency gains of more modern equipment. However, every one’s needs are unique to themselves. If you plan to move soon, it may make more sense to do a $700 repair a 12yr old system then to replace it. On the other hand a system that is only 8yr old but had a history of failures might be replaced when faced with the same $700 repair. All of these factors should be carefully weighed.

Air Conditioning And Heating System Replacement

No other decision you make will affect your families comfort and monthly energy bill more than what system you choose to replace your existing heating and cooling equipment with.

American Standard & Trane has long been recognized as the industry leader for quality and reliability. For as long as consumer publications have been rating heating and cooling systems Trane and American Standard AC has consistently been in the top tier. Both products are also subjected to the System Extreme Environment Test (SEET) facility, a laboratory designed to simulate just about every extreme climate condition your air conditioner or heat pump can face. They cram five years of wear and tear into 16 punishing weeks of continuous testing, watching for signs of weakness or unusual wear. If a product doesn’t make it through the SEET lab, it’s not manufactured.

The end result? Both Manufacturers are built to last a long time.

Higher SEER Ratings

In January 2006, the Department of Energy increased the minimum SEER from 10 to 13. SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) indicates the efficiencies of different types of equipment. The majority of systems installed before 1992 are 10 SEER or below and will continue to drop in efficiency as the systems age. Not only do Trane systems meet the government standard; in many cases, they exceed it. The chart to the right shows you the possible savings over an 8 SEER system when you install higher efficiency Trane matched systems.

Which AC Size/Capacity To Choose?

Just as a 300wt light bulb uses 10 times the energy of a 30wt light bulb, a larger heating and cooling system will use more power. The larger cooling and heating system will not only use more power but deliver less comfort as well.