Frequently Asked Questions

It’s normal for AC systems to make noise when they start up and run. If you’re noticing new, abnormal noises, it’s probably an indication of damage or malfunction and it’s time to call a professional. If you want to learn about what specific noises may mean for your system, check out our blog post What Do These 5 Common AC Noises Mean?

If you notice a significant decrease in your AC’s efficiency and cooling, you may have a leak in the system. You’ll need to call a technician to find and fix the leak, and add refrigerant.

Air filters should be changed around every 3 months. If you start a preventative maintenance plan with Express Refrigeration, our technicians will change the filters for you, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to change them. Learn more about how preventive maintenance can save you money.

There are many different reasons your AC could be leaking water including dirty coils, a clogged drain line, or an issue with the condensate pump. Water leaks are almost always a sign of damage or breakdown and you’ll need to call a technician right away to diagnose the cause and conduct repairs.

If your AC unit is over 15 years old, it’s usually time to replace it. ACs over 15 years old are prone to costly breakdowns that are far more expensive in the long run than buying a new AC unit. You may also want to replace your AC if it frequently breaks down, doesn’t heat and cool properly, or is inefficient, as seen by rising heating bills.  For more signs that your A/C unit may need replacement, check out our blog When Should I Replace My AC Unit? 5 Signs You Need a Replacement.

If you have other questions about your HVAC, call Express Refrigeration today and we’ll be happy to answer your concerns.

Air filters trap and collect particles, large and small, in your ventilation. Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating is a scale to measure how effectively filters trap smaller particles. Higher MERV values capture smaller particles more effectively than lower MERV ratings because they have smaller pores. However, higher MERV rated filters aren’t always better. Because they have smaller pores, the air resistance is much higher. Your AC unit requires more energy and has to work harder to push air through. Some MERV filters can even help mitigate coronavirus! Check out our blog post, Save Money with Preventive Maintenance, to learn more!

MERV 16 and below are generally used for homes and offices while MERV 17-20 are used for hospitals and sterile rooms. The most commonly used filter in homes and buildings is a MERV 8— small enough to keep out most particles but large enough to promote airflow and energy efficiency. If you have allergies to specific pollutants, you may want a higher rated MERV filter to keep the pollutants out of your home. If you value energy efficiency above all else, you may want to select a lower rated MERV filter. If you need help deciding, talk to a technician about what MERV rating is best for your home or building.

Air filters are designed to capture particles like dust, pollen, and dirt in ventilation while air purifiers are designed to kill mold, bacteria, fungus, and even smoke, substances that filters cannot catch. While air filters are porous mesh filters, purifiers release ions that break down pollutants and gases into harmless components like oxygen and water vapor. All AC systems have air filters built in that are changed out every few months. Air purifiers, however, are optional. Those with allergies and sensitivity to pollutants may benefit greatly from an air purifier. Express Refrigeration recommends the iWave-R, the first self-cleaning, no maintenance ionization generator designed specifically for treating air in residential duct A/C systems. Express Refrigeration procures and installs iWave-R purifiers for only $800! Call today if you’re interested in installing a purifier or upgrading your filters.