Cooling FAQs

Tom’s Heating Answers Your Most Common Cooling FAQs

Tom’s Heating Service has been around for decades, helping Waukesha County homeowners solve heating and cooling problems of all kinds. From repair needs to answering simple questions, our award-winning experts handle it all. To help you stay comfortable at all times, we put together a list of your most commonly asked cooling FAQs.

Does My Air Conditioner Really Need Maintenance Every Year?

Yes! Routine air conditioner maintenance is the only way to keep it running safely and efficiently—while also saving you on energy costs. During our annual tuneup, our pros check refrigerant levels, clean out the outdoor unit, and fix any existing problems before they get worse. You may see lower energy bills, notice improved comfort and air quality, and extend your system’s lifespan. Ask about our maintenance agreement, too, so you’ll never miss another appointment.

How Long Will My Air Conditioner Last?

When properly maintained every year, you can expect your cooling system to last you anywhere from 10 to 15 years.

Why Is There Ice on My Air Conditioner?

Ice forms on A/Cs when there isn’t enough airflow over the evaporator coils. This often happens when the air filter gets too dirty. Your system could also be low on refrigerant. If you see ice on your air conditioning system, turn it off right away and let it thaw out. See if your air filter is dirty—if so, replace it with a new one. If the filter looks clean, call one of our experts to diagnose and fix the problem.

What’s the Difference Between an A/C vs. a Heat Pump?

The biggest difference between the two is that an air conditioner only provides cooling comfort, while a heat pump can produce both hot and cold air. Air conditioners are the more popular option in Southeastern Wisconsin, but a heat pump is a more eco-friendly option—it transfers heat energy from the air outside instead of burning fuel to create it. Count on our experts for help deciding which system is right for you.

Why Is R-22 Refrigerant (Freon) Not Being Manufactured Anymore?

R-22 was found to have a seriously negative impact on the environment. It has been phased completely out of production. If your cooling system runs on Freon, though, don’t worry—you can still use your system safely. Just know that any repairs you may need will be expensive because supplies are limited. Instead, consider a replacement system—they are more cost-effective than an R-22 repair, and today’s units are much more energy efficient than previous models.

Should the A/C Fan Be Set to “Auto” or “On”?

In short, it depends on how you want air to flow. The “auto” setting will run the fan only when it’s needed to hit your set temperature. This is ideal for you if you want to keep cooling costs to a minimum. The “on” setting is perfect for those who want consistent temperatures and uninterrupted airflow. Setting the switch to “on” can also help curb allergy and asthma symptoms—air is constantly flowing, which means it’s also constantly filtering your indoor air as it flows through your system. The experts at Tom’s Heating can help you pick the best programmable thermostat.

Count on Tom’s Heating for All Your Heating and Cooling Needs

If you want more information after reading our cooling FAQs, just give us a call at 262-548-1300 or submit your question online. Check out our heating FAQs, too, for advice about your furnace or boiler.
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