FAQ

How does my A/C system work?

Your air conditioning system is actually designed with two separate units which perform together to provide you the ultimate comfort you deserve. The unit on the outside of your home contains a liquid refrigerant that is distributed over the coil located indoors. As the coolant transports itself the heat and humidity are removed from the air and your comfort is maintained by cooling the house.


What does "SEER" mean?

The efficiency of a heating and cooling system is calculated by utilizing a ratio standard referred to as "SEER" or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Governmental standards state, the "SEER" of any air conditioning system must meet a minimum of 13 SEER as enacted in 1992. An A/C system that is considered to be "high efficient" must be between 15-20 "SEER". In order to receive the benefits of a 13 SEER or higher, you must upgrade the entire system. Apostle Air will be happy to custom design an air conditioning and heating system that fits your needs and budget.


What factors contribute to my home's comfort levels?

There are four contributing factors that play a vital role to the efficiency of your air conditioning and heating system.

Temperature - To the average consumer, temperature is typically the beginning and the end of discussion when the topic of indoor comfort arises. However, temperature is actually just the beginning. At Apostle Air we will recommend a heating and cooling system customized to your needs.

Clean and Fresh Air - A dusty home can have disastrous effects on both the efficiency of your heating and cooling system and your health. Our specialists at Apostle Air will be happy to suggest an air purifier that will assist to remove the dust and other allergens within your homes air so that not only will you and your family breath easier but your system will also have the opportunity to run more effectively.

Humidity - As a Texas resident we are well aware of the harsh and continual weather fluctuations. The air is always dry, static electricity and dry itchy skin are always an issue during the winter months. If humidity is added then you remove the uncomfortable feelings of dry skin. In the summer months if the humidity is removed, the air becomes less sticky and the summers in Texas become more enjoyable and your comfort is restored.

System Control - On a daily basis we seem to always answer the same question. ?Why are the temperatures so inconsistent from room to room? The front of the house is warmer or cooler than the back and vice versa. Why?? Your answer to that question is a self-adjusting thermostat will balance the air throughout your home and provide an even distribution of air throughout the home. Our specialists at Apostle Air will be happy to suggest a programmable thermostat designed for your needs. Please feel free to contact us at 972-835-0590 so that we can suggest a thermostat to improve your homes' comfort.


What causes a condensation leak problem?

The evaporator or cooling coil is located in the unit inside the home. As it creates condensation by removing moisture from the air a drain pan will normally collect the water. However, if the drain line becomes clogged, then a leak occurs from the overflow. Some causes for a drain line to become clogged include algae build-up, crimped lines, settled wood platforms, snakes or other animals or just poor system maintenance.


Why is my indoor A/C coils/pipes/compressor covered with ice?

There are two reasons why ice would be found on coils, pipes, etc. The first being a low level of refrigerant or a clogged air filter. If the problem is not corrected as soon as possible, it could have disastrous effects on the compressor of the system. Should you notice freezing, you should first turn the system off, check and change the air filter and if the air filter is not clogged, then immediately consult our professionals at Apostle Air. We will promptly be at your service to resolve your freezing problem.


What can I do to fix the "hot spots" in my house?

Typically there are many things that can be done to correct the variations in temperature from room to room. One of the first would be a programmable thermostat that evenly distributes air throughout the home. The second would be duct work that is properly sized for the size of the home. Feel free to consult our expert technicians so that we may rework your ducts for an improvement in airflow. Additional solutions may be to replace the windows in a hot room with Low-E glass or have the existing windows tinted. The reduced sun load will cool the room and save energy.


What does Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) mean?

Recognized by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is a fair and objective measure of air cleaner technologies. CADR provides the number of cubic feet of clean air a unit delivers each minute. A higher CADR means a greater amount of clean air is being delivered to your home.


What can you do to make my home's "Air" cleaner?

American Standard is proud to offer one of the world's most effective whole-house air filtration system. The AccuClean™ Whole-Home Air Filtration System is designed to let air flow freely through the most advanced filtration system available. This whole-house air filtration system can remove up to 99.98% of airborne allergens from your home's filtered air.


How often should my filters be cleaned or replaced?

It is recommended to inspect your filters at least once a month. Cleaning and replacement should be done on an as needed basis. As with the rest of your heating and cooling system, cleaner is always better!


Why should I consider a new high-efficiency filter?

High-efficiency filters remove more of the smaller particles from the air. This will help us breathe better and reduce sinus problems, headaches and colds. Many people miss fewer days from school and work and use less allergy medication. The air is filtered before entering the air conditioning and furnace. Apostle Air has a variety of filters available; please contact us at 972-835-0590 for more information.


How often should my system be checked?

In able to ensure your system maintains a maximum operating standard, our experts at Apostle Air recommended a thorough check-up at least twice a year. In doing so, we have designed our preventative maintenance agreement that will do exactly that! Our preventative maintenance agreement will provide two scheduled visits each year.


How do I pay for my new system?

At Apostle Air we are happy to provide a variety of payment options. We are happy to accept all major credit cards, personal checks and cash.


How much am I overpaying on my utility bills?

For any system that is in excess of 10 years old, unfortunately you are paying an average of 30% more on your overall utility expenses due to a lack in efficiency standard. For example, by upgrading your unit which has a "SEER" rating of 10 "SEER" to a new updated system with a minimum of 13 "SEER" you will see a savings of at least thirty percent. An important point to remember is that when you upgrade to a 13 SEER or higher you must install an ARI matched system. Feel free to contact our experts at Apostle Air at 972-835-0590 for a free consultation.