Top 7 Most Common A/C Questions Pittsburgh Homeowners Ask

A homeowner’s worst nightmare is discovering your air conditioner is broken as temperatures inch towards the triple digits. Every year around this time, homeowners start thinking: How do I prevent my A/C from breaking? What do I do if it’s not keeping up? And if it does break, how much will it cost to replace it? Read Spurk HVAC’s answers to these questions and more below.

Most Common Questions Pittsburgh Homeowners Have Regarding Their Air Conditioning Units

1. What should I do before turning on my A/C after winter?
   Before running your system for the first time in spring, you should do some prep work, including:

• Replace your air filter.
• Clear debris around the outdoor unit.
• Make sure the thermostat is set to “cool”.
• Consider scheduling a professional tune-up.
  Preventative maintenance is the proactive approach to helping your system operate efficiently, extending the lifespan of equipment, and preventing costly repairs and breakdowns.

2. What do I do when my A/C unit is not cooling?
   Keep an eye out for these 5 signs your unit isn’t functioning properly:

• Weak airflow or warm air blowing from vents.
• Unusual noises or smells.
• Frequent cycling on and off.
• Water buildup around the unit.
• Ice buildup on pipes or ductwork.

If your air conditioner isn’t cooling correctly, first check the basics:

• Is your thermostat working?
  Does it respond when you change the settings & not cycle unnecessarily? Does it accurately measure the temperature in your house? If your thermostat has batteries, check them. They may need to be replaced.

  Tech Tip: If your thermostat has batteries, it’s a good habit to change them once a year.

• Is your air filter clean?
  If your air filter is dirty or has not been replaced, replace it with a high-quality one that captures more allergens, dust, and other airborne particles that can affect your and your family’s health.

  Tech Tip: Upgrade to a high efficiency air filter and check it monthly. Spurk technicians can determine the best filter for your system and install it for you.

If your unit is still malfunctioning or working inefficiently, call a professional. Don’t wait until the system completely breaks down.

3. How long should my A/C unit last?
   With proper maintenance, most A/C units last between 15 and 20 years. However, many factors can impact your system’s lifespan, including:
   • Usage: Setting your thermostat just a degree or two warmer in the summer can reduce wear and tear on the system, thus increasing its lifespan.
   • Maintenance: A properly maintained system will last longer than a neglected one. Make sure your air filter is regularly replaced and that you get full system maintenance at least twice a year.
   • Age of Home: Older homes often have less efficient insulation and windows, making air conditioning systems work harder to keep the house cool.

4. When should I replace my air conditioner?
   When to replace (rather than repair) is a case-by-case basis, but if your air conditioner struggles to keep up, give us a call. We’ll help you decide if it’s worth fixing or if it’s time to upgrade to a new system.

   Tech Tip: When deciding whether to replace or repair, follow the Rule of $5,000: Multiply the age of the system by the estimated cost of repair. If the total is more than $5,000, replacement is typically recommended. If it’s less than $5,000, repair might be the better option.

5. What should I consider when buying a new A/C unit?
   Buying a new air conditioner is a big decision that affects your comfort, energy bills, and long-term home value. Whether you live in a brick colonial in Sewickley or a new build in Cranberry Township, here are the top factors to keep in mind when choosing the right A/C unit:
   • Size and Layout of Home
     Getting a system that is too big or too small for your home will impact function and efficiency. Our skilled technicians can help you choose the best system for your home.
   • Energy Efficiency
     Today’s systems are built to stricter energy standards and offer smart thermostats, variable-speed fans, and higher SEER ratings, all of which can lower your energy bills. It’s an investment that costs more up front but can pay off over time.
   • Humidity Control
     Summers in southwestern Pennsylvania are humid, and not all A/C units handle moisture the same way. The best way to combat humidity is installing a high-efficiency air conditioner that’s the right size for your home. But even the best air conditioners can struggle to keep up, in which case you can also add a standalone dehumidifier.
   • 2025 Refrigerant Changes
     New HVAC systems must use refrigerants with lower global warming potential (GWP) to reduce global warming.

6. How much is an A/C unit?
   The price of a system can vary widely, and the only way to get an exact cost is to get an in-home estimate from a qualified Spurk professional, who can determine the type of system you need based on the size of your home, your current system, your temperature preferences and budget, and other factors.

   Several factors impact the price of a new A/C unit:

   • Size and Layout of Your Home: Larger homes need larger units and sometimes add-ons for hot spots. Additionally, how your ductwork is designed might impact the unit you can get and the installation involved.
   • Type of System: Brand, equipment size, and efficiency rating affect the price. Generally speaking, the higher the SEER (efficiency) rating, the more the unit will cost.
   • Whether you’re replacing or adding a new system: Adding A/C to a home that’s never had it will cost more than replacing an existing unit.

7. What size A/C should I get for my home?
   Your home’s square footage is a key factor, but it’s not the only one. To get the most accurate size recommendation, it’s best to have a professional assessment. At Spurk HVAC, our technicians look at several important variables, including:
   • Total square footage.
   • Home layout (number of floors, room sizes, windows, and doors).
   • How often the system runs and at what temperature.
   • Ductwork and ventilation quality (including potential leaks).
   • Quality of insulation.
   • Areas prone to heat buildup or uneven cooling.

An oversized or undersized unit can waste energy and leave you uncomfortable. A Spurk technician will come to your home to assess your cooling needs and help you determine your best options.

What factors should homeowners in Pittsburgh consider when purchasing an HVAC?

Pennsylvania’s climate and the architectural design of some older Pittsburgh homes offer unique considerations for homeowners installing new air conditioning units.

• Age of Home: Older homes in Southwestern PA often have limited ductwork or unique architectural layouts. Installing central air in a house without it will be extensive and invasive. Another option is installing a ductless system that is less disruptive and doesn’t require significant renovation.

  Tech tip: Ductless systems are also remarkably efficient.

• Climate: Pennsylvania’s hot, humid summers can be rough on HVAC systems. Your system needs to be able to handle both temperature and moisture control. The most important factor is buying the right size system for your home.Consider installing a whole house dehumidifier to further combat humidity. Adding an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) can further enhance your system as well.

What can I do if I can’t afford a new HVAC?

We get it. A new system is a big investment. That’s why Spurk HVAC offers flexible financing, including 24 months same as cash or 0% for 60 months with approved financing. Some restrictions apply.

We want your home to be comfortable, no matter your budget.

Contact us to learn more about our financing options.