HVAC FAQ's

Alpine Heating and Cooling • December 8, 2020

When is it Time to Replace My HVAC System?

Generally speaking, an HVAC unit has an average life span of around 10 years give or take.

A couple other red flags that it may be time to replace your system is if you see your energy bills rising significantly in the Summer/Winter or if a system is constantly in need of  repairs. Like anything in life there comes a time where you are farther ahead to “bite the bullet” and spending the money today can save you significantly over the long run.

When Should I Call Alpine to Service my HVAC System?

We recommend a Bi-Annual Checkup (Spring & Fall) so that you know your system will be ready to handle the upcoming extreme’s. With our Elevated Residential Service Agreement ($179.00 a year) we come out twice a year and perform maintenance and complete a check up of your system to make sure you are prepared. There are a few other perks of this agreement but by and far the most valuable is avoiding those emergency midnight calls in the middle of winter !!!

When Do the Air Filters Need to Be Replaced?

This can vary but a good rule of thumb is every 2-3 months. This can vary depending on the type system that you have and goes on in your house(we don’t need to know everything 😊 ) Things like number of people living in the home, smokers in the home, pets, carpet or even burning candles can all impact how often your air filter requires replacement.

How Do I Know How Efficient My HVAC System Is?

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings are used to evaluate a heater’s efficiency and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings (SEER) to evaluate an air conditioner’s efficiency. Check your unit’s AFUE or SEER and look for a minimum SEER of 13 and furnaces with an AFUE in the 80s or 90s.

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If you’ve heard people talking about “new refrigerant rules” for air conditioners and heat pumps, you’re not alone. Homeowners are wondering if their current AC system is suddenly outdated or impossible to repair. The simple answer is no — you do not need to replace your air conditioner just because refrigerant rules have changed. What Changed With HVAC Refrigerants? The HVAC industry is moving away from higher-GWP refrigerants, including R-410A, and toward newer refrigerants with lower environmental impact. Under the EPA’s refrigerant transition rules, many new residential air conditioners and heat pumps manufactured after January 1, 2025 must use lower-GWP refrigerants. Existing systems can still be serviced, and parts used to repair existing systems are not subject to the same restrictions as new equipment. For homeowners, that means your current air conditioner or heat pump does not automatically need replaced. Can My Current AC Still Be Repaired? Yes. If your system uses R-410A, it can still be serviced. The bigger question is whether a repair makes financial sense. As older refrigerants become less common over time, certain repairs — especially refrigerant leak repairs — may become more expensive. That does not mean every older system should be replaced, but it does make the repair-versus-replace decision more important. When Should You Consider Replacing Your AC? You may want to consider replacement if: -Your system is over 10–15 years old -You are facing a major repair -Your AC has a refrigerant leak -Your energy bills keep climbing -Your home has uneven temperatures -Your system uses older equipment that is no longer under warranty If your system is newer, running well, and only needs a minor repair, replacement may not be necessary. Don’t Panic — Get Honest Advice The new refrigerant rules are a real change in the HVAC industry, but they should not be used to scare homeowners into replacing equipment before they need to. At Alpine Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Refrigeration, we help homeowners understand their options clearly. Whether your system needs a simple repair, a refrigerant leak check, or a full replacement estimate, our goal is to give you honest information so you can make the best decision for your home. Have Questions About Your AC System? If you’re unsure whether to repair or replace your air conditioner, contact Alpine today. Our team can inspect your system, explain your options, and help you prepare for the future of home comfort. 📞 Schedule a Comfort Evaluation OFFICES Wooster: (330) 263.0013 Ashland: (419) 289.1616 Mt. Eaton (330) 359.7114 Email: sales@alpine-services.com. Website: https://www.alpine-services.com/contact
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