Air Conditioning FAQ's

Air Conditioning FAQ's | Air Conditioning Questions | Air Conditioning Answers | Florida

What is a central air conditioning system?

The most common central cooling system is a split system, which includes an outdoor cabinet containing a condenser coil and compressor, and an indoor evaporator coil, usually installed in conjunction with your furnace. or air handler . The compressor pumps a chemical called refrigerant through the system.
The fan setting controls your AC's blower; A fan inside your system that helps distribute air throughout your home. AUTO means the fan turns on “automatically” ONLY when your system is heating or cooling your air. When the thermostat reaches your temperature setting, the system, including the blower fan, shuts off.

What is a mini split air conditioning system?

It is referred to as mini split or a ductless split system because it consists of two components: A compressor unit that is installed outside your home on a concrete slab. An indoor unit that contains a fan, which is installed near the ceiling on an exterior wall in the area to be cooled.

The main advantages of mini splits are their small size and flexibility for zoning or heating and cooling individual rooms. Many models can have as many as four indoor air handling units (for four zones or rooms) connected to one outdoor unit. The number depends on how much heating or cooling is required for the building or each zone (which in turn is affected by how well the building is insulated). Each of the zones will have its own thermostat, so you only need to condition that space when it is occupied, saving energy and money.

Since mini splits have no ducts, they avoid the energy losses associated with ductwork of central forced air systems. Duct losses can account for more than 30% of energy consumption for space conditioning, especially if the ducts are in an unconditioned space such as an attic.

Compared with other add-on systems, mini splits offer more flexibility in interior design options. The indoor air handlers can be suspended from a ceiling, mounted flush into a drop ceiling, or hung on a wall. Floor-standing models are also available. Most indoor units have profiles of about seven inches (~18 cm) deep and usually come with sleek, high-tech-looking jackets. Many also offer a remote control to make it easier to turn the system on and off when it's positioned high on a wall or suspended from a ceiling. 

What is the Auto setting on an air conditioner?

The fan is located in the inside unit and helps distribute the conditioned air throughout your home. “Auto” means that the fan automatically works ONLY when the air is being heated or cooled. So once your home reaches the temperature set on the thermostat, the fan stops.

What is the difference between auto and fan?

When the fan setting on your thermostat is set to “auto,” that means that your system's fan will only run during your home's heating and cooling cycles. Once the desired indoor temperature is reached, the fan shuts off until the next cycle.

How does a central air conditioner work?

A central air conditioner cools with an outdoor compressor and condenser coil connected to an indoor furnace fitted with an evaporator coil. Refrigerant such as freon circulates through copper tubing that runs between these components.Apr 20, 2016

How long should my air conditioning system run in a cycle?

There is no exact answer for how long your system should run during each cycle. The average air conditioner is sized to remove the heat from your home as fast as it comes in. Therefore, ideally, on a 100° day the system should be able to keep up with the incoming heat, but not gain on it and not be able to turn off. The cooler it is below 100°, the more the system will cycle on and off. So it depends on the environment of each individual home and the condition of the equipment.

What are the advantages of a programmable thermostat?

Because they are electronic, programmable thermostats are more accurate and efficient than thermostats that contain mercury. Plus, they allow you to automatically control the temperature in your home at different times of day without ever touching your thermostat.

Should I repair or replace my broken air conditioner?

This is a decision that all homeowners face at some point. There are several factors that come into play; the age of the unit, the efficiency, and the cost of repairing your unit. The life expectancy of an air conditioner here in Florida is about 10 years. So if you're unit is over 8 years and your facing a costly repair, you probably want to consider upgrading to a new more efficient air conditioner unit.

What's the most important factor in choosing a new air conditioner?

Proper installation and design are the key to a healthy, comfortable, safe, and energy efficient home. There is no best brand. Every brand has it's good and bad points. It's the company who installs your unit who determines the performance of your system.

What are the most common reasons homeowner replace their current cooling system?
  • Energy cost-Today’s high efficiency air conditioners save 60% or more on cooling costs
  • Current air conditioning system is unreliable-systems breakdown at the worst times. It makes sense to replace while the current system is still operating thus not having to deal with the inconvenience of a rush decision.
  • Some one suffers from allergies or other breathing problems-We have filters and air treatment products that remove over 99% of airborne dust, pollen, bacteria, and viruses.
  • My home is just not comfortable-Imagine you being home in the temperature and humidity that you want.
  • Air Conditioning System is too noisy– Many systems are noisy because of poor installation, wrong unit in home, or poor duct size.
  • Return on investment– High efficiency air conditioning systems properly installed can provide returns of investment of 20% or more.
How important is it to get the right size of heating and cooling equipment?

Sizing HVAC equipment is very important from the standpoints of both comfort and energy use. Heating and cooling equipment that are over-capacity will not run as frequently or as long when it does run. In both cases, this may mean poor humidity control. It could also result in temperature variations or noticeable cycling. Over-capacity equipment will not be as energy efficient as properly matched capacity either. On the other hand, equipment that is under-sized, will obviously result in loss of comfort during temperature extremes. Before purchasing a replacement system you should always make sure your system is sized properly to match your needs and budget. The experienced professionals at Liberty Air will thoroughly assess your home and comfort requirements to determine the proper size and make the appropriate recommendation.

Why is it important to have N.A.T.E. certified technician servicing your home?

One of the biggest problems in the heating and air conditioning industry is the lack of trained professional technicians. Poorly trained service technicians and shoddy installation are the two primary reasons that consumers need to keep having a repairman come to their home. North American Technician Excellence, Inc. (N.A.T.E.) is the leading independent certification body for technicians in the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) industry. They establish the industry’s standards for excellence and administer the training, testing and validation procedures for meeting those standards. Every Liberty Air service and installation technicians are N.A.T.E. certified, that means experience, professionalism and piece of mind for you and your family.