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Avatar for Schaal Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling
Schaal Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling
5.0(
32
)
Central A/C - InstallAir Ducts & Vents - CleanCentral A/C - Service or Repair+1 more

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 1946

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Pete was courteous, respectful, knowledgeable & helpful. We appreciated his expertise & recommendations! We have been extremely impressed & grateful for Schaal Heating & Cooling. The customer service is stellar, from front office scheduling to all the reps that have installed our furnace & air conditioning units."
60 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by78%of homeowners
Avatar for Air Free Duct Cleaning
Air Free Duct Cleaning
4.6(
34
)
Air Ducts & Vents - Clean

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1993

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They were very good. He explained everything n was very thorough. He cleaned out all of r air ducts n r dryer vent. We live in a 110 year old house n the vents have probably only been cleaned out once or twice. Before he left he showed me a pictures n a video of the inside of r vents."
Before 1
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Evaporative Coil

+3

Response time10 hrs
61 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by90%of homeowners
Avatar for Service Legends Heating & Cooling
Service Legends Heating & Cooling
4.5(
241
)
Central A/C - InstallCentral A/C - Install - For BusinessCentral A/C - Service or Repair+3 more

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1997

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"All my interactions with Service Legends have been very positive and satisfying. Cole was very friendly, professional and thorough. He took the time to explain everything he checked and pointed out issues with my AC unit. He explained my options and answered all my questions. I feel very confident that my system is being taken care of and if I ever do have a problem I can count on your team to take care of it. Excellent job."
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+4

Response time1 day
Recommended by92%of homeowners
Showing 1-10 of 40
Air Conditioning questions, answered by experts

You should use a breathable, weather-resistant cover with ventilation. It can be a top cover or a full cover that has mesh to allow airflow. A full, non-breathable cover can cause moisture to build up, leading to rust, frozen parts, and corrosion. A full cover also attracts unwanted critters, such as mice, that can damage the wiring and your unit. If you need to protect your AC unit from falling icicles, choose a sturdy top cover or piece of wood that prevents icicles from damaging your unit.

The DOE is phasing out AC units with SEER ratings that fall below 14 or 15. The exact minimum rating depends on your region. In the northern United States, new ACs must have a minimum SEER rating of 14, though you can still buy and install older systems as long as they were compliant when they were manufactured. In the southern and southwestern United States, you cannot buy or install older air conditioners with lower SEER ratings. The minimum rating is between 14.5 and 15, depending on the power of the unit.

While most air conditioners can last between 10 and 20 years, they will only last this long (or longer) if properly taken care of. Routine maintenance and inspections help keep your AC unit running in tip-top shape but understanding what factors will decrease its lifespan will also help keep your unit running cool.

Some things that shorten your AC’s lifespan include:

  • Extreme outdoor conditions, like high humidity or extensive salt spray 

  • Improper installation

  • Extended run times, either by the unit being too small or the thermostat setting too low

  • Not performing required maintenance

You will only need to refill your AC with refrigerant if it has a leak. Otherwise, a modern, well-maintained AC will most likely never need a recharge. You may notice a leak in an older system if your bills are higher, you hear a hissing sound, or if the air is blowing out hot.

If your drain line is clogged, your AC might stop cooling, shut down, or refuse to turn on at all. Otherwise, you might see your AC leaking water, find standing water or water damage near the unit, or notice a musty smell coming out of your air conditioner or vents.

The Ames, IA homeowners’ guide to air conditioning services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.