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The Right HVAC Unit for Your Home

A couple of months ago, the HVAC unit in my home started malfunctioning. The temperature inside my home soared to over eighty degrees Fahrenheit, even though my air conditioning system ran nonstop. After inspecting my air conditioning unit, my knowledgeable HVAC contractor recommended I purchase a new system. He discussed the pros and cons of installing different sizes of HVAC units with me. After considering my HVAC contractor’s advice, I decided to purchase a three and a half ton HVAC unit. Shortly after my HVAC contractor installed my new air conditioning unit, my house started feeling more comfortable. On this blog, I hope you will discover how an HVAC contractor can help you select the right air conditioning unit for your home. Enjoy!

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The Right HVAC Unit for Your Home

Busting Central AC Maintenance Myths with Real Facts

by Jamie Shaw

You have your eye on a brand new central air conditioning (AC) system, but there's a lot of noise in your head from the myths you've heard over the years about air conditioner maintenance. Is a central AC the best solution for keeping your home cool and you comfortable? Take a look at some of the most common myths about maintaining central AC units and the real facts you should know to help you decide.

Myth: Using a new filter every time is not all that important.

Every time you check the filter and it's dirty, it is best to replace it with a new filter. Some filters are designed to be heavy-duty enough for an occasional cleaning with a vacuum or air compressor, but even then, all dust particles and contaminants will not be eliminated. 

Myth: If a central AC is not providing cool air, your system needs refrigerant.

It's not always a lack of refrigerant to blame if your unit is not providing cooled air while it is running. In some cases, a failed condenser can prevent AC system from cooling the air. Either way, it is best to have a technician diagnose the problem before you try to make any repairs. 

Myth: Maintaining a central AC is too expensive compared to a window unit. 

Window AC units are pretty notorious for having short lifespans, but they do indeed require very little maintenance other than an occasional filter cleaning. However, central air systems really are not all that expensive to maintain. Flat fees for maintenance visits tend to run between $70 and $100, according to Fixr

Myth: Central AC systems tend to have a lot of electrical issues as they age. 

Central air conditioning systems can have electrical problems, but in a modern home, these problems are pretty rare. At worst, you may have to have a circuitry panel replaced if it goes bad or a fuse replaced if it blows. It is not very typical for wiring issues or things of that nature to occur. 

Myth: You will need professional maintenance checks all the time. 

In general, you can handle the bulk of the AC maintenance on your own and only call a professional for certain things. For example, you can clean the exterior fan, change the filter, and check for leaks around the condenser. It is often recommended to have the AC checked annually by a professional, but this is no hard-and-fast rule. If you think it's time to have a professional AC check, contact a company like Barnetts Heating & Air Conditioning.

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