Frequently Asked Questions About R.J. Staso Heating & Air Conditioning
Do air conditioners dehumidify?
Yes, every air conditioner will dehumidify a home to some extent. Some equipment can enhance this process by manipulating fan speeds and staging the compressor or the air conditioner. Dehumidification is part of the cooling process.
What causes an air conditioner to freeze up?
Ice or freezing in the unit can be caused by a clogged drain, a dirty filter, dirty or clogged coil, low refrigerant, blocked vents, or a defective indoor fan motor.
Why is my air conditioner leaking water?
One culprit could be a clogged or partially clogged water drain that comes from the indoor air conditioner coil. Since an air conditioner's primary job is to remove moisture from the home, a dirty drain could cause a leak. Other times, leaking water comes from ice formed by a dirty filter, dirty indoor coil, blocked vents, low refrigerant or a defective indoor fan motor. Any of these can cause ice to build up on the indoor coil, and water to drip on the floor inside the furnace or heat pump fan coil unit.
How many BTUs do I need for an air conditioner to cool my home?
Air conditioning systems are designed for a 95 degree day and how many BTUs it will take to cool the home at the 95 degree outdoor temperature. Older air conditioner models always operate at 100% capacity, meaning that they deliver all the cooling they are capable of and use 100% of the electricity to do that, every time it turns on. When the temperature is only 70, 80, or 90 degrees, that extra capacity is wasted. Newer models are able to stage the equipment to deliver only the amount of cooling the home needs, saving you money on your electric bill.
What is a ton of cooling?
One ton of cooling equals 12,000 cooling BTUs per hour. BTU is short for the British Thermal Unit, which is a measure of heat in units of energy. It is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. 12,000 BTUs per hour is the rate of heat transfer it takes to melt one ton of ice at 32 degrees Fahrenheit in 24 hours. Thus, a three ton unit would be (3 x 12,000 BTU/hr) or 36,000 BTUs. An air conditioner takes the heat that is inside the home and moves it outside the home through the medium of refrigerant.
Should I cover my outdoor air conditioning unit during the winter?
Covering the outdoor unit is not always necessary. The units are made to withstand the weather. If you have a unit under or near a tree, it is a good idea to cover the unit to keep debris from building up inside the unit during the off season. Never cover the unit completely. The cover should allow the unit some air flow at the bottom so as not to trap moisture inside. Some customers will put a piece of plywood on top of the unit. This will help to protect the unit against damage from falling ice and help keep rodents from entering your unit. Make sure any cover is removed before the start of operations the following spring.
What is the difference between SEER and SEER2?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or “Rating.” This is the ratio of the cooling output of an air conditioner and heat pump over a typical cooling season, divided by the energy it uses in Watt-Hours. SEER2 is an updated version of this calculation that uses the new M1 blower testing procedure. The higher the SEER or SEER2 rating of an air conditioner or heat pump, the less it will cost you to operate.
On my thermostat, what setting should my fan be on?
The “automatic” setting means the fan’s cycle will be controlled by the temperature in the room. However, if your home is equipped with an air cleaner, or you may wish to keep a continuous flow of air. This is done by switching the setting to “on.” Central air cleaning devices only work when the furnace is circulating air, so if you wish to get the most from your air cleaner, you should keep the setting to “on.” Setting the fan to “on” will also keep a more even temperature within the home.
What is an AFUE rating?
Furnaces are rated by the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratio, which is the percent of heat produced for every dollar of fuel consumed. Like the miles-per-gallon rating on your automobile, the higher the AFUE rating, the lower your fuel costs.
How often should I have my furnace cleaned and serviced?
Your furnace should be cleaned and serviced once per year, this goes for your air conditioner as well. A cleaning means that your furnace will operate more efficiently, and thus, cost effectively. The cleaning also includes a thorough safety check of the entire unit for cracked, defective or damaged parts; if certain parts are damaged, carbon monoxide could be leaking into your home without you even knowing it.
Does an air conditioner dehumidify the home?
Yes, every air conditioner will dehumidify a home to some extent as part of the cooling process, with some equipment enhancing this by adjusting fan speeds and compressor staging.
What can cause an air conditioner to freeze up?
Freezing can occur due to a clogged drain, dirty filter or coil, low refrigerant, blocked vents, or a defective indoor fan motor.
Why might my air conditioner be leaking water?
Leaks can result from a clogged water drain, ice formed by a dirty filter or coil, blocked vents, low refrigerant, or a defective indoor fan motor causing ice buildup and water dripping.
How do I determine the BTU capacity needed for my air conditioner?
Air conditioners are designed for 95°F outdoor temperatures; newer models stage cooling to match home needs, saving energy compared to older models which run at 100% capacity all the time.
What does one ton of cooling mean in air conditioning terms?
One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTUs per hour, which is the heat transfer rate to melt one ton of ice at 32°F in 24 hours, describing the unit's cooling capacity.
Should I cover my outdoor air conditioning unit during winter?
Covering isn't always necessary, but if near trees, it's good to cover it partially to prevent debris. Covers should allow air flow and be removed before operation in spring.
What is the difference between SEER and SEER2 ratings?
SEER is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio measuring cooling output over energy use; SEER2 updates the calculation using a new blower testing procedure, with higher ratings indicating lower operating costs.
How should I set the fan on my thermostat?
The 'automatic' setting cycles the fan by room temperature, while 'on' runs it continuously, which is better for air cleaners and maintaining even temperature.
Where is R.J. Staso Heating & Air Conditioning located?
It is located at 14810 State Route 30, Irwin, PA 15642, USA.
What are some nearby places to R.J. Staso Heating & Air Conditioning that customers might visit?
Nearby places include Styles By Santone (hair and nail salon), Frankki Lurees Cosmetic Tattoo Studio, and Rivertowne Pub & Grill. Customers can visit these for beauty services or dining before or after HVAC service appointments.
Are there any local fitness or health-related places near R.J. Staso Heating & Air Conditioning?
Yes, nearby you can find Mc Culloch Chiropractic, Robinson Elite Performance (fitness trainer), and Vault Athletics (sports club), which could be of interest for health and wellness activities.
How can nearby landmarks or schools be useful to customers visiting R.J. Staso Heating & Air Conditioning?
Nearby landmarks like Castle Tokarsky and schools such as Hartford Heights Elementary and Adelphoi Village Academy can serve as navigation points to help customers find the business easily in the Irwin area.