Frequently Asked Questions

Replacing your air conditioning and heating system is one of the most important investments you will make for your home. At Phillips Air Conditioning & Heating, we want you to make the most educated decision you can. Below you will find a variety of air conditioning and heating questions we answer on a daily basis. If you have further questions or we can assist you in any way, please feel free to contact Phillips Air Conditioning & Heating at 972-563-3922.

How do I know if my Air Conditioning system is working as efficiently as it should?

If there have not been any drastic changes in your utility bills and you are comfortable in your home it is likely that your air conditioning and heating system is performing at its maximum efficiency. However, if you have noticed changes on your electric bills, then you should probably consider having your HVAC system professionally evaluated. Our licensed air conditioning and heating specialists at Phillips Air Conditioning & Heating will provide you with a thorough diagnostic check up and a solution to your air conditioning and heating system problem that is in your best interest. In addition, if your air conditioning system is more than ten years old, you may want to consider investing in a new air conditioning and heating system that could be as much as 65% more efficient so that you save valuable dollars on your utility bills.

How can I increase my HVAC system efficiency so that I can lower my electricity bill?

One of the most important things you can do to increase your HVAC systems efficiency is to replace and cleaning your filters regularly. Another way to increase the efficiency of your HVAC system is to have your air ducts professionally cleaned and sealed so that air is not being released into the attic instead of inside your home. Other ideas include: Adding shades, shutters, or blinds to windows that get direct sunlight. Proper insulation in your walls and attic, well placed trees in your yard to shade the high sun parts of the house, and making sure your windows and doors are properly sealed. All these ideas will also help to keep your home cool in the heat of the summer and warm in the winter.

Why should I zone my house?

A zoned air conditioning and heating system is specifically designed so that you can divide your home into separate areas, providing each member of your family the comfort control you deserve. In addition, zoning can save you hundreds of dollars in energy costs each year because you are not constantly heating or cooling areas of the home that are being used as often as others.

What are furnace ratings?

Furnaces are rated by the AFUE or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency ratio. The AFUE is the percentage of heat that is produced for every dollar of fuel that is used. Similar to the mpg rating of your car, the higher the AFUE rating, the lower the fuel costs. All furnaces manufactured today must meet a minimum of 78% AFUE. If your furnace is more than 10 years old, it is likely that you would benefit by upgrading your furnace to a new unit that offers higher efficiency and lower operation cost. Please contact your comfort specialist at Phillips Air Conditioning & Heating today to schedule your consultation.

Why does my air conditioning and heating system need preventative maintenance?

Your air conditioning and heating system is working hard to ensure your comfort year-round. Much like your vehicle, your air conditioning and heating system should be maintained regularly to make sure that it is performing at its maximum potential. A preventive maintenance check up can also prevent future, more expensive repairs, and extend the life of your air conditioning and heating system.

How does a programmable thermostat benefit me?

Because programmable thermostats are electronic, they are much more efficient and accurate than thermostats that contain mercury. Purchasing a programmable thermostat and having it installed in your home means that you now have full control of the temperature in your home during various times of the day. In addition, your programmable thermostat ensures that you never again forget to change your temperature settings.

How does my air conditioning system work?

Most homeowners think that their air conditioning system works by simply cooling the air inside the home. However, your air conditioning system actually works by removing warm indoor air and transferring that heat to the outdoors. When the heat inside of your home is removed the air then passes by a refrigerant coil to an indoor unit where it is distributed throughout the home, thus cooling the entire house.

How is the efficiency of my HVAC system determined?

The efficiency of your air conditioning and heating system is measured by the SEER or seasonal energy efficiency ratio. SEER measures the amount of cooling your unit can deliver per dollar. An average residential air conditioning system should have a SEER rating somewhere between 14 and 17. 20 SEER is the top of the line SEER rating available.

How do I know what size air conditioning and heating system is right for my home?

The capacity of an air conditioning and heating system is measured by tonnage. Twelve thousand British thermal units can be removed by a "one-ton" system per hour. Most residential HVAC systems range between one and three tons depending on the total square foot of the home.

There are many factors that should be considered when determining the right size of an HVAC unit you may need. For example, from the layout of your home to the amount of direct sunlight exposure your home has. However, typically, one ton of air conditioning can cool between 400 and 800 square feet in your home. You can have confidence that our comfort specialists at Phillips Air Conditioning & Heating will calculate and design an HVAC system that will suit the needs of your home and the comfort of your family.

How often should I check my filter?

It's a good idea to check your air filters monthly, and clean or replace them as needed. A good tip for remembering is to check it each month when your electric bill arrives. Cleaning or replacing your filter routinely will reduce energy usage, and save you money! They also help prolong the life of your system.

Can I plant shrubs and flowers around my outdoor unit?

Yes. However, we recommend that plants be at least 18 inches from the unit. This will allow for plenty of room for air to circulate through the unit without the risk of overheating of the unit.

What does "Going Green" mean for the air conditioning and heating industry?

As of 2010, air conditioning systems that are still using R-22 refrigerant will no longer be manufactured and R-22 will be replaced by the much more environmentally-friendly R-410a. The new refrigerant R-410a has zero ozone depletion so it is better for us and the environment. By 2020, there will very small amounts of R-22 being produced to service existing equipment. If you are shopping for a new air conditioning and heating system it is suggested that you purchase the newer R-410a system.

We hope this page has answered some of your questions. If you have further questions or would like to schedule a service call, please contact Phillips Air Conditioning & Heating at 972-563-3922.

Thank you for your interest in Phillips Air Conditioning & Heating. We look forward to serving you in the near future.

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Phillips Air Conditioning & Heating is proud to service Rockwall and Kaufman County, including the cities of Combine, Crandall, Dallas, Fate, Forney, Garland, Grays Prairie, Heath, Kaufman, McLendon-Chisholm, Mesquite, Oak Grove, Oak Ridge, Post Oak Bend, Rockwall, Rowlett, Royse City, Rosser, Scurry, Seagoville, Talty, Terrell, and Wylie.