FAQ

Are you a Palm Springs resident with questions about heating, ventilation, and air conditioning? Desert Air Conditioning, Inc. has the answers to all your HVAC questions.

Is my old, inefficient air conditioner costing me money?
Today’s air conditioners, furnaces and heat pumps are more energy-efficient and less costly to run than ever before. Give us a call and we can show you how to save money each month on your utility bills.
What is a SEER?
SEER is a standard of measurement of seasonal cooling efficiency under an average number of weather changes over a season. SEER stands for “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ration”.
How does SEER rating affect my power usage?
The higher the SEER number, the more energy efficient the unit. Higher SEER rating air conditioners and heat pumps can pay for their cost many times over because they consume less electricity. The savings will continue for years to come.
If I buy a more efficient unit, can I buy a smaller one?
Probably not. A more efficient unit does not mean it will have more capacity. It only means that the new unit will operate more efficiently and with less energy cost when compared to the old unit.
Do programmable thermostats really make a difference in my air conditioner usage?
The programmable thermostats will allow you to adjust cooling and heating to fit your schedule and save you money.
Should you replace your thermostats?
Call us and ask.
How should I use a programmable thermostat?
It is most efficient to find the temperature setting that feels most comfortable to you and leave the thermostat set there. A programmable thermostat will allow you to set the desired temperature based on the time of day or your daily activities. You can program the thermostat to keep the house at 84 while you are at work and then to cool the house one hour before you come home from work. A programmable thermostat may cost a little more than a standard thermostat but it can save you money in all seasons.
How long should my air conditioner or heat pump last?
If you have a system that has been properly sized for your home and you keep it properly maintained, it should last as long as 15 years with minimum problems. But if the size is incorrect or the unit is maintained only when it breaks, the lifetime can easily be reduced by five or more years.
Are new air conditioning and heat pump units environmentally safe?
The refrigerant in your air conditioner of heat pump system is a chemical known as HCFC-22 (Hydro chlorofluorocarbon). It contains hydrogen, chlorine, fluorine, and carbon.

CFC’s (Chlorofluorocarbons) contain chlorine, fluorine and carbon. CFC’s are used as refrigerants in small appliances and automobiles. CFC’s are very stable and do not break down in the lower atmosphere. They can remain in the atmosphere for 100 years or more. Because HCFC’s contain hydrogen, they can break up quickly and have a short life span.

The government called for a phase out of CFC’s by 1996. Under the federal Clean Air Act, HCFC’s will be phased out by 2030. Because the new units use HCFC’s, they will be available until 2030.

Why should I have my ducts cleaned?
Dust, pests and mold can collect in your ductwork, if it is not inspected and cleaned regularly. Ask us about duct cleaning.

Facts

The typical central air conditioning system is a split system, with an outdoor air conditioning, or “compressor bearing unit” and an indoor coil, which is usually installed on top of the furnace in the home.

Using electricity as its power source, the compressor pumps refrigerant through the system to gather heat and moisture from indoors and remove it from the home.

Heat and moisture are removed from the home when warm air from inside the home is blown over the cooled indoor coil. The heat in the air transfers to the coil, thereby “cooling” the air.

The heat that has transferred to the coil is then “pumped” to the exterior of the home, while the cooled air is pumped back inside, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.