Common HVAC Questions

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which is how the efficiency of your heating and cooling equipment is measured. A SEER rating is the amount of cooling your system will deliver per dollar spent on electricity compared to other systems. 

The SEER rating of cooling and heating units can range anywhere from 13 to 21 but depends on the individual unit. For example, a 3-ton unit may have a SEER efficiency rating of 13, 14, or 15. The higher the SEER, the more energy-efficient the system will be. 

Each split system cooling unit has a nominal SEER rating, which means the rating of a system is based on the combination of equipment installed in the home. As such, the SEER rating of split system air conditioners, which have indoor and outdoor units, can be increased with the addition of a new unit. 

In other words, both the outdoor unit (heat pump or air conditioner) and the indoor unit (evaporator coil and furnace or air handler), play a vital role in the total seasonal energy efficiency ratio.

In North Texas especially, heating and cooling systems work incredibly hard to perform their functions for your home or business everyday. The constant stopping, starting, and continual operation can wear down any machine if proper care and maintenance is delayed. That is why preventive system maintenance is essential for efficient air conditioning and heating practices. 

Preventive maintenance inspections performed on a regular basis can uncover leaks, rust, rot, soot, frayed wires, and corroded electrical contacts. It can also address insufficient air flow, poor air quality, and minor HVAC problems before they become much more serious and expensive. Not only that, but regular maintenance can also help improve efficiency, which means you’ll be spending less money on your energy bills over time.

Overall, by performing regular HVAC maintenance, you can maximize the life of your heating or cooling unit and guard against many common equipment failures. 

Because they are such intricate machines, all types of HVAC units and equipment should receive regular maintenance to continue working properly. This includes your air conditioning system, whether it’s a central unit or ductless system, heating system, whether it’s a natural gas furnace or boiler, as well as heat pumps, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, water heaters, and any other indoor air quality or heating/cooling system. 

Typically, heat pumps and air conditioners require a professional tune-up twice a year; in the spring and fall. Inspections on boiler and furnace systems should include heating maintenance tasks such as inspecting and cleaning air ducts, pipes, dampers, valves, chimney, registers, radiators, pumps, blowers, fuel lines, oil tank, and every part of the actual furnace and boiler. Meanwhile, heat pumps and air conditioning unit inspections should also include inspections of the fan, compressor, indoor coils, outdoor coils, and refrigerant lines.

Since they are electronic, programmable thermostats are more accurate and efficient than thermostats that contain mercury. With programmable thermostats, you can control and create the ideal temperature in your home at different times of day without ever touching your thermostat. Because everything is automatic, you will never forget to change the setting on your own.

In addition to convenience, it is also much more cost-effective. Programmable thermostats help optimize energy usage by automatically adjusting the temperature when you're away or asleep, providing warm or cool air when needed and conserving energy otherwise, which can lead to substantial savings on your utility bills.

Annual HVAC maintenance plans are worth it for several reasons. Regular maintenance of your heating and cooling system ensures that it operates efficiently, which can significantly reduce your energy costs. By having an HVAC technician inspect and service your system annually, you can also save money on costly repairs by identifying and addressing minor issues before they become major problems.

Plus, regular maintenance helps your system run more smoothly and extend its lifespan, making it a more energy-efficient option in the long run. Investing in an annual maintenance plan is a smart way to keep your HVAC system in top condition, improve your home's comfort, and save money over time.

As your local Dallas area Trane dealer, Lex Air Conditioning and Heating is here to help you with all your HVAC system troubleshooting needs. In addition, Trane also provides a network of troubleshooting technicians at Trane Distribution centers across the country, which Lex Air Conditioning and Heating will utilize to address your concerns. Should we encounter a situation that requires additional factory help, we will contact our factory-supported Service Manager(s) for assistance.

You should have maintenance completed on your HVAC system regularly to ensure maximum efficiency and prevent possible problems that may occur in the near future. Most HVAC companies recommend servicing your units twice a year. This means one annual air conditioning tune-up, preferably in the spring, and one annual heater tune-up, preferably in the fall.

Standard filters work to keep your HVAC system and its ductwork clean, but they don’t really improve indoor air quality. To do that, you’ll need a media air cleaner. The media filter rests between the main return duct and the blower cabinet and will improve dust and particle removal up to seven times that of a standard AC filter. 

Although upgrading to a pleated media filter will remove everything from dust to airborne viruses from the filtered air, it’s important to always choose an air filter that matches your blower’s capacity.

To maintain optimal performance and energy efficiency of your furnace and air conditioner, it's recommended to replace your air filters every 1 to 3 months. If you have washable filters, they should also be cleaned once a month. Regularly changing air filters prevents a dirty filter from obstructing airflow, which can strain your HVAC system and air ducts, reducing energy efficiency and increasing your energy bill. 

Filters for Trane HVAC equipment are made from higher-quality materials than those of the disposable filters found in retail stores. For that reason, replacement Trane filters can only be purchased through a Trane dealer. However, keep in mind that some Trane filters are reusable and can be washed by hand in cold water.

As a Carrollton Trane dealer, Lex Air Conditioning and Heating can help identify and supply the correct, current replacement parts for your system, as well as pricing and availability. We can also help you explore your options for a new system if needed. Simply call today to speak to a specialist on our team!

Dependable Trane products are among the longest-lasting heating and cooling products available. However, the exact lifespan of your HVAC system depends on a number of factors, including whether it is a heater, furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner. 

According to Energy Star, the average heat pump or air conditioner needs to be replaced every 10 years or so. Furnaces and boilers may last a bit longer, typically up to 15 years. 

In addition to the type of equipment, there are many other variables that affect life expectancy, including, of course, the regularity of routine maintenance. When heaters and air conditioners work harder for longer periods of time, it can decrease their efficiency and life expectancy. Routine maintenance can drastically increase both the efficiency of your system as well as its expected lifespan.

Under the standard factory warranty, Trane covers parts that fail during the warranty period due to defects in the part. However, the warranty does not cover labor. 

If you have a Trane heater or air conditioning unit, your warranty certificate should have been included with your homeowner information packet and is specific to the model numbers, serial numbers, and installation dates of your products. All Trane equipment that we install at Lex Air is registered with Trane Corporation to ensure your 10-year parts warranty. If you cannot find your warranty certificate, Lex Air Conditioning and Heating will also be able to provide you with that information.