Air Conditioning Advice From An HVAC Expert

Selecting the right air conditioning unit for your home, maintaining your equipment or choosing the best HVAC partner in North Carolina or Virginia can be a daunting task for a new homeowner or someone who has never purchased an air conditioner.

To help with these decisions and more, we sat down for a Q&A session with the Head of Hall’s HVAC Division, Brandon, and asked him some common questions we hear from customers.

HVAC tech Brandon Shelton

Question: What is the most common problem you see in home AC units?

Answer: “Time and time again, it comes down to poorly installed units. So often, we see where corners were cut during the installation process, returns not being large enough or installers placing incorrectly sized units in homes. That’s why it’s so important to do research on the HVAC company you purchase your air conditioning unit, or heat pump from and who will install it. That makes all the difference.”

Question: How important is regular maintenance for your air conditioning unit?

Answer: “It’s very important. I like to use the comparison to your car. You don’t drive it 100,000 miles without changing the oil or getting the brakes worked on, so treat your air conditioner the same way.

Make sure you’re changing the filter regularly. Have the unit regularly maintained by a trusted HVAC company. Things like this will help prolong the life of your air conditioner. Always remember, if you’re good to your equipment, it’s going to be good to you.”

“I like to use the comparison to your car. You don’t drive it 100,000 miles without changing the oil or getting the brakes worked on, so treat your air conditioner the same way.”

Brandon Shelton, Head of HVAC Division, Hall Propane

Question: What are some tips for someone who is in the market for a new air conditioning unit?

Answer: “Start simple. Google “HVAC companies near me,” and then start doing your research. Read reviews. Explore websites. Talk to people you know and trust. See what experiences they’ve had with their HVAC partners to see if their work is recommended. That’s the best way to make a good decision.”

Question: Are the AC refrigerants used today environmentally safe?

Answer: “Yes, and they’ve gotten safer and more efficient. Years ago, the main concern with refrigerants was ozone depletion. Now, the focus is on global warming. Different refrigerants have been developed from R22 and 410A years ago to the current 454 and R32 that we use now. And with every new refrigerant and refinement made, units continue to get safer, more efficient and better for the environment.”

Question: Is it harmful to air conditioning units to leave them running for multiple days at a time?

Answer: “Not at all. In fact, they were built to run for long periods of time. So your best bet to keep temperatures and humidity low in your home, especially during Virginia and North Carolina summers, is to let your unit run as long as you want.”

Trust Hall With Your Air Conditioning and HVAC Needs

Hall Propane is your trusted local partner for any air conditioning and HVAC installation, service and maintenance your home needs. We’ll do whatever it takes to keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long. Contact us to find the right air conditioning unit for your home and family.

HVAC technicians walking up to an outdoor unit with tools