Our Most Asked Questions

The following are questions that we frequently answer (FAQ's) pertaining to the maintenance and operation of summer air conditioning.  Just click on the question you wish an answer for.  If you do not find an answer to a particular question you may have, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Summer Air Conditioning Questions

What is the best thermostat setting when operating my air conditioning? How often should I have my air conditioning system checked? Should I cover the outdoor unit during the fall and winter? Do I need to change my furnace filter during the summer? Does it matter if my outdoor unit is not level? Is it normal to have Freon added to my system every year?

ARP Can Answer All of Your Summer Air Conditioning Questions

Summer Air Conditioning Answers

1. Q:  What is the best thermostat setting when operating my air conditioning?
   A:  You should set the thermostat to a temperature that feels most comfortable.  However, the most important thing to remember with air conditioning is to find a comfortable setting and don't adjust it.  It takes a long time to remove the heat from inside your home.  If you have a programmable thermostat, it's best to use the "Hold" mode during the summer.  Remember - with air conditioning, "Set it and forget it"!
   
   
2. Q:  How often should I have my air conditioning system checked?
   A:  We recommend that you have your system checked at the beginning of each cooling season. This will prolong the life of your air conditioning system and keep it running efficiently.
   
   
3. Q:  Should I cover the outdoor unit during the fall and winter?
   A:  It's a good idea to cover the top portion of the condensing unit in order to keep out leaves and other debris. However, cover only the top half of the unit. This allows the unit to 'breathe' and prevents condensation, which will eventually rust and/or corrode vital components.
   
   
4. Q:  Do I need to change my furnace filter during the summer?
   A:  YES! If your furnace uses a standard 1" filter, you should change it once a month, especially if you use the high performance filters like the 3M Filtrete® type. If you have a media air filter (i.e. Spaceguard or Honeywell) you should change the filter media once every six months or at the least once per year. If you have an electronic air cleaner, the cells and screens should be washed at least once every three months.
   
   
5. Q:  Does it matter if my outdoor unit is not level?
   A:  If the unit is not level due to ground settling, it will not effect the operation of the air conditioning system. However, if the refrigerant piping or electrical wiring is supporting the unit, this is definitely a problem and should be corrected immediately.
   
   
6. Q:  Is it normal to have Freon added to my system every year?
   A:  No. If an air conditioning system is installed properly, the refrigerant should not leak out. If you need to have your system 'topped off' every year, it is usually an indication of a bad solder connection in the refrigerant piping or a problem in the condensing unit or evaporator coil.