Frequently Asked Questions
ALSO: Check out our tips page to learn how to save
money on your monthly energy bills
Q. What is a Humidistat?
It is an accessory used to turn on the air conditioning to remove moisture from the home.
Q. What does SEER mean?
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio rates how efficient an a/c unit is. The range is
13.00 - 21.00, the higher SEER numbers use less electricity the unit consumes.
Q. What are the normal settings for cool and heat in Florida?
Setting the thermostat at 78 degrees for cooling, and 70 degrees for heating should keep the home comfortable. For an average system, 40% of your electrical consumption is for cooling your home.
Q. How much can I save by installing a high efficient unit?
This depends on many factors, but on an average 3-ton unit about 10 years old, replaced with a 13 seer unit you could expect to save about $640.00 a year in the cooling cycle.
Q. Do I need a Heat Pump or A/C unit with Strip heating?
If you use the heat a lot you will probably be better off with a heat pump. If you turn on the heat occasionally to get the chill out of the house, a straight cool with electric heat strips would probably be more cost effective.
Q. What does Performance Air, Inc. do on a Clean-N-Check?
We do a 29 points mechanical check, tighten electrical connections, replace or clean filters, oil motors where applicable, sanitize air handler, vacuum and treat drain, check freon, and perform energy analysis on unit and duct system.
Q. Can I swim in my pool all year around, and can it be maintained at 82
degrees in the winter?
Yes. With a heat pump pool heater, your swimming pool can be maintaining at that temperature for about
$3.00 per day for an average uncovered pool, adding a pool cover will save about half the cost. Typically, a 45% savings over natural gas, and 75% savings over propane are normal.
Q. How often do motors in air conditioners need oil?
Normally, after the fifth year, a motor needs to be oiled once every year.
Q. What is a heat pump?
An air conditioning unit with extra controls and valves that reverse the flow of refrigerant to absorb heat from outside air, and add the heat to the inside of the house.
Q. My unit is not working, what should I check?
As the home owner, make sure the filters are clean, all breakers are on, and reset any switches on the outside of the unit. If it still does not work, you will need a professional to trouble-shoot the unit on site.
Q. When should I shut off my a/c unit?
When gone for the day, raise the temperature, and keep the house closed up. If you are gone for the summer, it is best to install a humidistat to keep the humidity below
65%.
Q. How long does an air conditioner last in Florida?
Depending on the hours used, normally a unit will last between seven and fourteen years. A unit that has regular maintenance performed on it will generally last longer than one that does not.
Q. Why is there a drain line on my a/c unit?
An air conditioner cools the air and removes moisture from the house. This moisture collects in a pan in the unit, and drains to the outside via drain line. From time to time, this drain line will plug with
algae and must be cleaned out to prevent water from damaging the unit or house.
Q. Where are my filters?
The filters are located either in return grills throughout the house, or in the air handling unit ahead of the fan or coils.
Q. What is HVAC?
Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning.
Q. What types of work does Performance Air do?
Clean-N-Checks, repairs, new construction, replacing old equipment, duct replacements or repairs, pool heat pump
installations and service, and just about any other item related to residential and commercial HVAC.
