Frequently Asked Questions
Listed below are some of the most common questions that we’re asked.
If you don’t find the answer to your question, just contact
us and we’ll be more than happy to answer it for you.
- After my air conditioner runs for a while, ice forms on the unit outside
and it stops cooling. What could be the problem?
- How do I know when my carbon monoxide detector needs to be replaced?
- How often should I change the standard throw-away 1” filter
on my furnace?
- What does SEER and AFUE mean?
- If I go away for a few days or even longer in the winter, at what
temperature should I set my thermostat?
- How important is adding humidity to my home?
Q: After my air conditioner runs for a while, ice forms on
the unit outside and
it stops cooling. What could be the problem?
A: More then likely it’s either low on refrigerant
or low on air flow. As a homeowner, you can try replacing your filter and
allowing the unit to thaw out. If the problem reoccurs, call Mid-American
to schedule service on your system.
Q: How do I know when my carbon monoxide detector needs to
be replaced?
A: Most store-bought CO detectors have a limited lifespan
– usually less than 5 years. Many people think they can just plug in their
CO detector and forget about it. It’s important to understand that all
detectors eventually lose their sensory capabilities and must be replaced.
If your CO detector is a few years old, it’s best to replace it. You
can also test the detector using a CO test kit available at many retailers.
Q: How often should I change the standard throw-away 1”
filter?
A: You should change the standard 1” filter every 6-8
weeks. Believe it or not, a filter actually becomes more efficient as it gets
dirtier…up to a point. After peak efficiency is reached, the efficiency
drops again. Make sure to inspect the filter and use your own judgement.
Don’t let the filter get “clogged” as this can cut down on the
efficiency and/or cause damage to the unit.
Q: What does SEER and AFUE mean?
A: SEER stands for “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.”
Basically, it tells you how efficiently it converts electricity to cooling comfort.
The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system. By federal law
all units must be a 13 SEER or higher.
AFUE stands for “Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency.” This rating
tells you how much of your heating dollars are converted to heat energy put into
your home and how much is lost up the flue pipe. Most older furnaces are 60%
efficient. That means that for every dollar you spend for gas from your utility
company $0.60 cents is used to heat your home and $0.40 cents goes up the chimney.
Federal law mandates that all furnaces being produced today be at least 80% efficient
and many of our furnaces are 90% plus in efficiency. Often times if you replace
an old, energy-wasting furnace the savings on your utility bills will more than
cover the cost of the new furnace.
Q: If I go away for a few days in the winter, what temperature
should I set
my thermostat at?
A: We recommend 65º F. It’s low enough to
save you energy and money, but warm enough to protect your pipes. Also, it’s
a good idea to turn your main water supply off even if you’re only going to
be gone for a day. A water leak could cause serious and very costly damage
to your home.
Q: How important is adding humidity to my home?
A: In the winter, air is drier. This dry air can damage the
woodwork and furniture you have in your home as well as zap the moisture from your
skin. Dry air even makes you feel cooler because your body senses heat as
a combination of temperature and humidity. Adding humidity to offset this
drying process will improve your comfort as well as preserve the woodwork in your
home. As an added benefit, you may actually be able to lower your thermostat
a couple of degrees. You will not only feel warmer, but will actually lower
your heating bill!