West Coast Construction & Air Conditioning

Yes, this is normal. A heat pump generally produces air that is 80°, which is considered warm and will heat the house evenly. However, 80° may feel cool to your hand, which is usually closer to 90°.

You should have maintenance done on your air conditioning system twice a year. This not only ensures maximum efficiency but also enables us to foresee any possible problems that may occur shortly.

Changing out your air filter regularly is the primary maintenance you can perform. When talking about ground mounted outdoor units the units will need to be kept clear of debris, which includes any foliage in the area. Additional maintenance should only be performed by qualified personnel.

For peak efficiency, performance and filtration, it is recommended that you replace your disposable filters at least once a month. If you have washable filters, they should be cleaned once a month.

In general, no. HVAC systems are the least efficient when first turning on. A system with too much capacity will run in numerous short cycles, turning on and off repeatedly, therefore causing it to be less efficient and increasing energy consumption. Another primary function of an air conditioner is to remove humidity from the air and running shorter cycles doesn’t remove humidity from the air very well.

As a consumer the most important tasks you can perform involve cleaning and replacement of your filters regularly. Also, shades, drapes, shutters, or screens can be installed on windows that are exposed to extreme sunlight to help reduce temperatures as well.

HVAC systems use a metric called S.E.E.R. (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) when assessing efficiency. S.E.E.R. is the amount of cooling your system will deliver per dollar spent on electricity. For example, a 3-ton unit may have a S.E.E.R. efficiency rating of 13, 14, or 15. The higher the S.E.E.R., which ranges from 13 -17, the more efficient the system will be.

In general, one (1) ton of air conditioning can cool anywhere from 300 to 800 square feet of home. The primary factor impacting the effectiveness of an AC unit is the construction of your home. The best way to assess your home's needs is to have a licensed professional evaluate them.

Heating and cooling systems are sized according to their tonnage. One (1) ton equals 12,000 BTU/H (British Thermal Units/ Hour).

HVAC is short for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The acronym is often used as an abbreviation to refer to your whole heating and cooling system.