What is a SEER rating?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and is a measurement of how much cooling an air conditioning system puts out for each unit of energy it uses. Generally speaking, the higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the air conditioning system is.

A SEER rating is the maximum rating, meaning the unit may perform at a lower SEER during peak usage.

Why isn't my AC cooling?

There may be several reasons.  First, check that the thermostat is set to cool and the fan is set to Auto.  Make sure the cooling temperature is set lower than the existing room temperature. Next, check the filter and change it if necessary.  A dirty filter restricts air flow.  Go outside and make sure the outdoor unit has plenty of room to breathe - to pull in fresh air.  Cut away bushes, flowers, etc. to give it at least 24 inches of clearance around the unit.  If you still don't have cool air blowing, call Slane Heating and Air Conditioning and will be happy to diagnose and repair the system for you.

How often should I change my filter?

If you use the thin, 1” filters, you will need to replace the filter monthly, perhaps more often if the AC is running non-stop and you have pets in the home. When using the thicker pleated filters (with a frame attached to the air handler or furnace) you will need to change the filter less often, but likely every 2-3 months.

If you have allergies, you may notice you’re waking up with post nasal drip if the filter is getting dirty.  You may want to check the filter and keep track of the days that you change it. You may also want to consider installing a whole house air purifier.  When you replace the filter, be sure that the arrow is pointing toward the furnace and away from the air duct that is pulling in the air.  We are always happy to help and offer low cost maintenance plans for all of our customers.

What is a MERV rating?

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This is the rating you will see on the various HVAC air filters you can buy. MERV ratings range from 1 to 16. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter will be in trapping airborne particles such as pollen, pet dander and dust.

Anything below a MERV 6 is not recommended, as they will not filter much out. Anything higher than a MERV 13 will reduce the airflow too much in a typical residential setting.

What does it mean if my air conditioner freezes up?

If your air conditioner is frozen, it can mean that the airflow is insufficient, and it allowed the condenser coils to drop below freezing. When this happens, the humidity in the air collects on the coils, creating a buildup of ice on your air conditioning unit. A dirty filter could be your problem.

It could also be due to:

• Refrigerant leak

• Air filter that is too restrictive (see MERV rating above)

• Not enough return ducts open

• Dirty evaporator coils

Do you offer emergency air conditioning repair?

Yes, we do. You can call Slane Heating & Air Conditioning 24/7 for emergency AC repair at no extra cost to you. So if you need to get the AC back in a hurry, call us now at 760-936-1860

How do I know if I need a new air conditioner?

If you’ve been making repairs year after year, or your central air conditioning unit is more than 10 years old, you might want to think about replacing it before it fails altogether. A new central air conditioner will save you in repair costs as well as save money on your utility bills.