Understanding the Basics:
Your air conditioning system operates through a network of components that work together to remove heat from your home. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

• Thermostat Control: Set your thermostat to the desired temperature for cooling. When the indoor temperature rises above this point, it triggers the cooling process.
• Air Conditioning Activation: The air conditioner, typically located outside your home, starts running. It uses a refrigeration cycle to remove heat from the indoor air.
• Cool Air Generation: Warm air inside your home is drawn in through the return air registers. This air passes over evaporator coils filled with refrigerant, cooling it down.
• Air Circulation: A blower fan then circulates the now-cooled air through the ductwork and into your rooms.
• Thermostat Monitoring: The thermostat continues to monitor the temperature. Once it reaches the set point, it signals the air conditioner to stop cooling.

Replacing your air conditioning system before it completely breaks down can save you from discomfort and unexpected costs. Consider the following factors:

• Equipment Lifespan: Most air conditioning systems last 10-15 years. If your system is approaching this age range, it may be time to start planning for a replacement.
• Performance Decline: If you notice your system struggling to maintain the desired temperature, or if it’s running longer than usual, it might be nearing the end of its life.
• Unusual Noises: Sounds like grinding, squealing, or clanking can indicate serious issues. These noises often signal that internal components are wearing out or failing.
• Increasing Energy Bills: A sudden rise in energy costs can indicate that your air conditioner is becoming less efficient, often a sign of aging equipment.
• Frequent Repairs: If you’re calling for repairs more often, the cumulative cost might justify investing in a new system.

By replacing your system proactively, you can ensure continuous comfort and avoid emergency expenses.

Yes, the time of year can affect air conditioner prices. Early spring, late fall, and winter are the best times to buy because HVAC companies and retailers offer discounts to encourage sales during these slower periods. During peak summer months, prices tend to be higher, and installation schedules can be longer due to increased demand.

Several factors influence the cost of an air conditioning system:

• System Type: Central air conditioning systems are generally more expensive than units designed for cooling individual rooms.
• System Size: The cost increases with the size and capacity of the system.
• Home Size: Larger homes require more powerful and potentially costlier cooling systems.
• Labor: Installation costs vary based on the complexity and requirements of the system.

Determining the correct size for your HVAC unit is crucial for efficiency and comfort. An HVAC contractor will calculate the size needed based on your home’s square footage, insulation, windows, and other factors. This ensures you get a unit that isn’t too large (which would cycle frequently and waste energy) or too small (which would run constantly and inefficiently).

Central Air Conditioning
Central air conditioners, often referred to as “central air” or “split-system air conditioning,” circulate cool air through a system of supply and return ducts. Supply ducts and registers (i.e., openings in the walls, floors, or ceilings covered by grills) carry cooled air from the air conditioner to the home. This cooled air becomes warmer as it circulates through the home; then flows back to the central air conditioner through return ducts and registers. 

Ductless Air Conditioning
Ductless cooling and heating systems (sometimes called split systems, multi-split systems, or split-ductless systems) can offer your home or business unmatched energy efficiency, performance, and control for your cooling and heating needs. It’s easy to keep everyone comfortable without spending a fortune on your energy bills. Replace your inefficient window units, space heaters, and electric baseboard heaters. Ductless cooling units can be installed in home additions, new construction, condominiums, and apartments or to improve temperature control in specific rooms. Ductless systems can even be fit for buildings that currently use ducted forced-air systems.

• EER Ratings: The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) measures the cooling efficiency of an HVAC unit. It’s calculated by dividing the cooling capacity (in BTUs) by the power input (in watts).
• SEER Ratings: The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) measures the overall efficiency of an air conditioning system during a typical cooling season. A higher SEER rating means greater efficiency.

At Hillside Heating and Cooling, we offer a wide range of air conditioning systems to meet your needs. Our experienced technicians can help you select, install, and maintain your system, ensuring you stay cool and comfortable all summer long. We provide expert advice, professional installation, and ongoing support to keep your air conditioning system running efficiently. Whether you’re upgrading an old system or installing a new one, Hillside Heating and Cooling is here to help you every step of the way.