HVAC FAQ

Get answers to your questions about air conditioning, heating & more.

Thank you for visiting Gulf Coast Air Systems‘ HVAC FAQ page! We know that choosing the right HVAC system or understanding maintenance and repair needs can raise many questions. That’s why we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions our customers ask about heating, cooling, and indoor air quality solutions. Whether you’re curious about energy efficiency, system lifespan, or troubleshooting tips, you’ll find helpful insights here.

Meet Bob Cochell, a forty-year HVAC contractor and ac repair veteran who is an expert in all things heating and air conditioning related. Since opening Gulf Coast Air Systems in 1981, his air conditioning company has successfully completed 225,000 heating repairs and HVAC service calls, and 53,000 heating and AC installations. There is no one more qualified to answer your HVAC questions!

Over the years, Bob has answered recurring questions from customers regarding heating repair and air conditioning service, so we’ve posted his answers in the HVAC FAQs below. If you don’t see the information you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly. We’re here to help you with all your HVAC needs. Visit our HVAC Blog or call Gulf Coast Air Systems today.

Understanding SEER Rating

The SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) is the way to measure the efficiency of your heating and cooling equipment. The SEER is the amount of cooling your system will deliver per dollar spent on electricity, as compared to other systems. For example, a 3-ton unit may have a SEER efficiency rating of 13, 14, or 15. The higher the SEER the more efficient the system will be. The SEER rating of any given unit can range anywhere from 13 to 17.

A SEER Rating Depends on the Equipment Installed

Each split system cooling unit has a nominal SEER rating. This rating can be increased with the upgrade of the same series indoor unit. The SEER rating of a system is derived based on the combination of equipment installed in the home. The outdoor equipment (heat pump or air conditioner), as well as the indoor equipment (evaporator coil and furnace, or air handler), play a vital role in the total rating.

Regular HVAC maintenance is required

Your heating and cooling systems work incredibly hard to perform their functions for your home everyday. The constant stopping, starting and continual operation can wear down any machine if the proper care and maintenance is delayed. However, by performing regular maintenance, you can maximize the lifecycle of your heating or cooling unit and guard against many common equipment failures. Preventive maintenance inspections performed on a regular basis can uncover leaks, rust, rot, soot, frayed wires and corroded electrical contacts that the naked eye may not notice. You should have maintenance done on your system regularly to ensure maximum efficiency and allow prevent possible problems that may occur in the near future.

At least once a year heat pumps and air conditioners require a professional tune-up. Because gas-fired equipment functions with greater efficiency, they only need to be serviced every other year. Inspections on boiler and furnace systems should include ductwork, pipes, dampers, valves, the chimney, registers, radiators, pumps, blowers, fuel lines, the gas meter, oil tank and every part of the actual furnace and boiler. Meanwhile, heat pump and air conditioning unit inspections should also include inspections of the fan, compressor, indoor coils, outdoor coils, line kits and refrigerant lines.

As your local Carrier dealer, Gulf Coast Air Systems Inc. is your troubleshooting expert, and is glad to help you. In addition, Carrier also provides a network of troubleshooting technicians at Carrier Distribution centers across the country which Gulf Coast Air Systems Inc. will utilize to solve your concern. Should we encounter a situation that requires additional factory help, we will contact our factory-supported Service Manager(s) for assistance.

The Benefits of Programmable Thermostats

Since they are electronic, programmable thermostats are more accurate and efficient than thermostats that contain mercury. With programmable thermostats you can control the 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.

Choosing the Right Air Filter

Standard filters work to keep your system and its ductwork clean, but they don’t really improve indoor air quality. To do that you need a media filter. The media filter rests between the main return duct and the blower cabinet and will improve dust and particle removal by seven times that of a standard filter. However, upgrading to a pleated media filter will remove everything from insecticide dust to airborne viruses from the filtered air. Always choose a filter that matches your blower’s capacity. For optimum efficiency and filtration, Gulf Coast Air Systems Inc. recommends that you replace your disposable filters at least once a month. If you have washable filters, they should be cleaned once a month.

Carrier Filter Replacement

The filter shipped with your Carrier unit is made from higher-quality materials than those of the disposable filters found in retail stores. For that reason, replacement Carrier filters can only be purchased through a Carrier dealer. However, keep in mind that some Carrier filters are reusable, and can be washed by hand in cold water.

Getting Carrier Replacement Parts

As a Carrier dealer, Gulf Coast Air Systems Inc. is the best resource for identifying and supplying the correct, current parts for your system, as well as pricing and availability.

How to Determine the Right Carrier Unit Size

There are many factors that affect the sizing and specifications of your system, including square footage, insulation, window surface and configuration, geographic location of your home, duct sizing and arrangement, and many others. Gulf Coast Air Systems Inc. can perform an in-home load analysis to determine which equipment combinations will perfectly suit your home and your family’s needs. Depending upon the construction of your home, one (1) ton of air conditioning can cool anywhere from 300 to 800 square feet of home. The only way to ensure the size of the system you purchase will be large enough to cool your home, but not any larger than you need, is to have your home’s individual heating and cooling needs evaluated by a licensed professional.

Under the standard factory warranty, Carrier covers parts that fail during the warranty period due to defect in the part. The warranty does not cover labor. A warranty certificate was included with your homeowner information packet, and is specific to the model numbers, serial numbers and installation dates of your products. If you cannot find your warranty certificate, Gulf Coast Air Systems Inc. will also be able to provide you with the information.

Dependable Carrier products are among the longest lasting heating and cooling products available. For your specific equipment, there are many variables that affect life expectancy, and of course, the regularity of routine maintenance.

Have More Questions?

Check out our HVAC FAQ section above or contact our team for personalized assistance. Our goal is to providing clear and reliable answers to all your HVAC concerns! Call us at (813) 689-2082 or use the form below.