FAQs

Heating and Air Conditioner Repair in Tucson, AZ

FAQs About Heating and Cooling Systems and Services

At Temco, we are a locally owned and operated heating and cooling company. We specialize in quality, reliable, and honest residential and commercial heating and cooling services. We believe that it’s important to provide our customers with straightforward education and resources for their heating and cooling systems so that they can protect the safety and comfort of their homes. They can also make informed decisions about the services they need.

Read through these answers to the most frequently asked questions we get about heating and cooling systems, and call us if you need heating and air conditioner repair in Tucson, AZ or the surrounding areas.

FAQs About Heating and Cooling Systems

What is an HVAC System?

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It is a system designed to improve the comfort of your home year-round by controlling the temperature, humidity, and indoor air quality. It includes components like a furnace, boiler, heat pump, ductless or mini split system; air conditioner; ductwork and vents; ventilation systems; heat registered and air handlers; thermostats; and outdoor units.

How do I know if I should repair or replace my heating and cooling system?

Most home heating and cooling systems last between 10-15 years before they start losing efficiency and breaking down more often. Our technicians can conduct a thorough inspection of your unit to determine its age, condition, safety, performance, and efficiency. We will help you determine if it would be safer and more cost-effective to replace your unit rather than repairing it. If your unit is over 10 years old and needs frequent repairs, it may be time for an upgrade. If the cost of your repairs is close to or more than half of the cost of a new unit, investing in a new unit is your best choice. We will recommend replacement, if your system has not been properly maintained, is outdated or inefficient, or is unsafe to operate. If your energy bills have been steadily increasing, the size of your household has increased, or you have added on to your home, we may recommend a larger or more efficient unit.

FAQs About Our Services and Fees

What is a diagnostic fee and what does it cover?

When your heating or air conditioning system is struggling or is just not operating properly, we will send out a service technician to “troubleshoot” the problem. In order to cover the cost of the troubleshooting, a diagnostic fee applies. Once properly diagnosed, we will then be able to provide you with an accurate quote for any repairs needed.

What forms of payment does Temco Air Environmental accept?

We accept all major forms of payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover Card. We also offer financing on new equipment purchases.

We also offer Commercial Lease Financing for new equipment on commercial properties, ask us for details.

FAQs About Heating and Cooling Maintenance and Efficiency

What is routine HVAC maintenance, and how often do I need heating and cooling system maintenance?

Routine HVAC maintenance includes regular inspections of your heating and cooling system, cleaning, and lubrication of moving parts, and testing of all components. The goal is to make sure your system is operating at peak efficiency and safety so your home stays comfortable year-round. Routine maintenance can offer early detection of problems, extend the lifespan of your system, and reduce your risk of breakdowns or the need for emergency HVAC repairs. We recommend that you schedule heating and cooling system maintenance at least twice per year: once in the spring and again in the fall.

How often should I replace my air filters?

You should replace your air filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions or the guidelines on the filters themselves. Some filters are designed to last longer than others. In most cases, you should replace your filters every 30-90 days. If you have pets, you should replace them every month.

How to replace an air filter in my HVAC system?

To replace your air filter, you will first need to locate the return air vent. Next, clean, or dust the return air vent cover. Open the grill or cover and remove the old filter. Use the arrow on the new filter to ensure it is installed according to air flow direction. The return vent sucks in air, so the filter should be placed so that the arrow is pointing up at the intake hole. Then close the register cover and lock it into place.

How can I lower my cooling costs in the summer?

Tucson experiences extreme temperatures in the summer, and even when you run your AC 24/7, your home may still sometimes feel warm. If you’re concerned about rising cooling costs, you can use ceiling fans to improve airflow and lower temperatures, avoid using heat-generating appliances like dishwashers and dryers during the day, and install thermal, solar, or heat-blocking window treatments. You should also schedule regular HVAC maintenance to ensure optimal efficiency and performance of your system and use a programmable thermostat. Set your thermostat to 78° when you’re home, and 80° when you’re away.

How can I increase the efficiency and lifespan of my heating and cooling system?

You can prolong the lifespan of your heating and cooling system and improve its efficiency and performance by:

  • Prioritizing preventive maintenance and routine inspections
  • Changing your air filters every month or according to manufacturer specifications
  • Cleaning your air vents and ducts regularly
  • Keeping your outdoor unit clean and free from debris or obstructions
  • Clearing drain lines to prevent damage or freezing
  • Sealing air leaks, cracks, or gaps in your home
  • Installing a programmable or smart thermostat
  • Keeping doors and windows closed
  • Using fans to improve airflow

What temperature should I set my thermostat to in the summer?

For maximum energy efficiency and reduced cooling costs, you should set your thermostat to 78° when you’re home and 80-82° when you’re away.

What temperature should I set my thermostat to in the winter?

To lower your winter heating costs while maintaining safety and comfort, you should set your heating system to 68° when you’re home and 60-65° when you’re asleep or away from home.

FAQs About Troubleshooting Heating and Cooling Problems

Why is my heat pump blowing cold air?

If your heat pump is set to heat but is still blowing cool or cold air, you may have:

  • a dirty filter
  • low refrigerant levels
  • a malfunctioning thermostat
  • a dirty outdoor unit
  • leaking ducts
  • a malfunctioning compressor
  • dirty or frozen coils.

We can quickly diagnose the cause of your heat pump problems and provide efficient heat pump repair services.

Why is there water dripping from my furnace or AC air handler?

If there is water dripping from your AC or air handler during operation, you may have a clogged condensate drain line, dirty air filter, frozen or iced up coils, or a refrigerant leak. If there is water dripping from your furnace, you may have a clogged drain line, faulty condensate pump, or a dirty filter.

How do I know if I have a carbon monoxide leak?

We recommend that everyone install carbon monoxide detectors on each level of their home. Professional installation ensures proper placement and function of your detectors. The alarm will go off if it detects any level of carbon monoxide. A carbon monoxide leak can occur due to incomplete combustion of a fuel-burning appliance like a dryer, water heater, furnace, boiler, fireplace, stove or oven, grill, vehicle, or lawn equipment. Some signs of a carbon monoxide leak are:

  • Physical symptoms like headache, lethargy, fatigue, loss of consciousness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, disorientation or confusion, stomachache, shortness of breath, and blurred vision
  • Excessive moisture or condensation on windows or walls
  • Stuffy or stale air
  • Rusting of flue pipes or appliance jacks
  • A pilot light that won’t light or won’t stay lit
  • An orange or yellow flame or pilot light on combustion appliances
  • Damage or discoloration of chimney bricks or streaks of soot around fuel burning appliances
  • Smoke or soot in the home

Schedule a Free Consultation for Heating and Cooling Services

If you have a question that wasn’t answered here, our experienced, friendly staff would be happy to provide an answer. Call us now at (520) 622-2909 or fill out our online contact form to ask questions or schedule residential or commercial heating and cooling maintenance or repairs or installation of a new heating and cooling system in Tucson, AZ.

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