Frequently Asked Questions

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning – all of the various technologies that go into making hot days cool and cold days warm.

When choosing an HVAC system, it’s important that the system is large enough to effectively heat and cool your home, without being so large as to be impractical or inefficient. When Pruett’s specialists prepare an HVAC estimate, they’ll take several factors into account:

• Your home’s square footage and ceiling heights
• Is your home insulated? If so, how effective is your home’s insulation?
• Is there pre-existing duct work, and is it arranged correctly to provide maximum effectiveness and efficiency?
• How many doors and windows are in your home, and how efficient are they?

Following this assessment, they’ll be able to tell you what options are available to you and each option’s pros and cons.

With the information our sales and installation professionals will share, you’ll be able to confidently select a system that will meet your needs without breaking your budget.

When looking at HVAC systems, you’ll see a SEER number for every heating and cooling system available. This rating – the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio – is a measure of a system’s efficiency compared to other systems, based on the amount of cooling a system will deliver per unit (or, per dollar) of electricity.

For modern air conditioning systems, a SEER rating of 13-15 is good, 16-19 is better, and 20-24 is the best, denoting a very efficient system.

For several years, HVAC installers have been required by federal environmental regulations to install units with a minimum SEER of 13 in the northern US and 14 in the southern US. In 2023, those minimums have increased to 14 in northern states and 15 in the southern states – so all units available from Pruett will carry a minimum rating of 15, and many will offer even higher efficiencies.

All split systems – the most common type of central heating and air system in US homes – have a nominal SEER rating, which is based on an installation using standard indoor equipment. If you choose to upgrade your system’s indoor equipment, however, that SEER rating may increase to reflect the improved efficiency of the upgraded system.

Traditional thermostats maintain a home’s temperature within one narrow temperature range until someone physically walks to the thermostat and makes an adjustment. That means that forgetting to adjust your thermostat every day can lead your home’s air conditioning system running at night when it’s not needed or during the week when nobody’s home, wasting both energy and money.

With a programmable thermostat, the system can automatically adjust according to a set schedule, allowing the system to run less when nobody’s home or during parts of the day when it’s not needed. Many programmable thermostats also feature internet connectivity, allowing you to monitor and control your home’s temperature even when you’re away from home.

What is the life expectancy of my new or existing HVAC system?

Carrier’s products are among the longest lasting heating and cooling systems on the market today. The longevity of a unit will depend on many factors, including:

• How much it’s used
• How well it’s maintained
• The quality of any repairs made to the system

At Pruett, we understand that the HVAC system is one of the most expensive investments you can make in your home – and we want to help you keep that investment in good order with our regular preventative maintenance plans and skilled repair technicians.

A heat pump offers both heating and cooling by transferring heat between the indoors and outdoors, making it a versatile, year-round solution. In contrast, a traditional air conditioner solely cools your home and typically requires pairing with a separate furnace for heating needs.

Ductless mini-split systems provide targeted heating and cooling without the need for ductwork, offering flexibility and energy efficiency for individual rooms or zones. Central air conditioning systems, on the other hand, use a network of ducts to distribute air throughout the entire home, providing uniform temperature control but potentially leading to energy losses through the ductwork.

Proper HVAC system sizing ensures optimal performance, energy efficiency, and comfort. An undersized system may struggle to maintain desired temperatures, leading to increased wear and energy costs, while an oversized system can cause short cycling, reducing efficiency and lifespan.

Determining the right HVAC system involves:

• Calculating your home’s square footage to assess heating and cooling needs.
• Evaluating insulation levels, window types, and ceiling heights.
• Considering local climate conditions and your home’s orientation.

Consulting with HVAC professionals, like Pruett Air Conditioning, can provide a comprehensive assessment to recommend the most suitable system for your home.

ENERGY STAR^® certified HVAC systems offer:

• Enhanced energy efficiency, leading to lower utility bills.
• Reduced environmental impact through decreased greenhouse gas emissions.
• Potential eligibility for rebates and tax credits, providing additional savings.

These systems meet strict energy performance standards set by the EPA, ensuring both cost savings and environmental responsibility.

When you choose a filter for your HVAC system, there are a couple of things to consider. Regardless of the filter you choose, it must be one that matches your blower’s capacity; our local HVAC service professionals at Pruett can help you determine which filters meet that requirement.

After that, it’s a matter of reviewing the many options available and determining which filter will work for you. A few of the general options available are:

• Standard filters are effective only at removing large dust particles to keep your ductwork and blower clean, but won’t improve indoor air quality beyond that. These are typically the lowest-cost disposable filters available.
• Media filters are up to seven times more effective at removing particulate matter from the air in your home, and cost more than standard filters.
• Pleated media filters are among the strongest filters available and can remove even insecticide dust and airborne viruses from the air in your home, at the cost of being the most expensive disposable filters.
• Washable filters are a different class of filter altogether – instead of throwing away your filter and replacing it with a new one each month, a washable filter can be cleaned and reused multiple times.

After you’ve chosen a filter, set yourself a reminder that it needs to be replaced or cleaned every thirty days. Many newer thermostats contain an internal timer that will regularly show you a reminder to replace the filter.

If you need filtration beyond your HVAC system’s standard filter, Pruett offers a wide range of indoor air quality solutions.

The filter shipped with your Carrier unit is made from higher-quality materials than those in the disposable filters found in retail stores. For that reason, replacement Carrier filters can only be purchased through a Carrier dealer. However, keep in mind that some Carrier filters are reusable, and can be washed by hand in cold water.

No other machine in your home works harder or in rougher conditions than your HVAC system. The fans and compressor in your unit run for long periods, start and stop several times throughout the day, and aren’t protected from the elements like your indoor appliances. Regular maintenance can help ensure that these conditions don’t lead to an early failure of your heater or air conditioner and that your unit is operating at its maximum effectiveness and efficiency.

Regular maintenance should be performed annually on heat pumps and cooling systems, and every two years on gas-fired heating systems. During this service, technicians will clean and inspect your unit, looking for:

• Leaks
• Rot
• Soot
• Frayed wires
• Loose or corroded electrical terminals
• Any other issue that could cause an interruption of service.

• Heat pumps and air conditioners should be serviced once a year. This service should include cleaning and inspection of the fan, compressor, indoor and outdoor coils, line kits, and refrigerant lines.
• Gas-fired equipment (furnaces, boilers) only need service every other year. This service should include cleaning and inspection ductwork, plumbing, dampers, valves, chimney, registers, radiators, pumps, blowers, fuel lines, gas meter or oil tank, and all parts of the furnace and/or boiler.

It’s recommended to schedule professional HVAC maintenance at least once a year. Ideally, have your air conditioning system serviced in the spring and your heating system in the fall to ensure optimal performance before peak usage seasons.

Indicators that your HVAC system may require a tune-up include:

• Unusual noises, such as banging or rattling
• Inconsistent temperatures or poor airflow
• Unpleasant odors emanating from vents
• An unexpected increase in energy bills
• Frequent cycling on and off

Yes, regular maintenance can significantly enhance your HVAC system’s energy efficiency. By ensuring components are clean and functioning properly, your system doesn’t have to work as hard, leading to reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills.

A comprehensive HVAC maintenance service typically includes:

• Inspecting and replacing air filters
• Cleaning condenser and evaporator coils
• Checking and adjusting refrigerant levels
• Inspecting electrical connections and components
• Lubricating moving parts

Testing thermostat functionality

Seasonal maintenance plays a crucial role in extending the lifespan of your HVAC system. Regular check-ups help identify and address minor issues before they escalate, ensuring your system operates efficiently and reducing the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns.

HVAC systems are complicated and troubleshooting an issue can be tricky. The local HVAC service experts at Pruett are happy to assist you in determining what needs to be done to get your system back in working order.

Under the standard factory warranty, Carrier covers parts that fail during the warranty period due to defect in the part. The warranty does not cover labor. A warranty certificate was included with your homeowner information packet, and is specific to the model numbers, serial numbers and installation dates of your products. If you cannot find your warranty certificate, Pruett will also be able to provide you with the information.

Probably not. Unless the damage was caused by a fire, flood, or other event not localized to the HVAC system, air conditioner repair and replacement is not a component of most homeowner policies. Some aftermarket home warranties, however, do offer HVAC coverage for major repairs.

If you have questions about your insurance coverage, contact your insurer.

As a Factory Authorized Carrier Dealer, Pruett Air Conditioning Associates is the best resource for identifying and supplying the correct, current parts for your system, as well as providing pricing and availability.

Possibly. Even if the repair scheduled only affects your outdoor equipment, technicians may still need access to your home’s attic, crawlspace, or interior to access the ductwork and thermostat, or to perform system checks on your unit’s performance.

When you call to schedule an appointment, Pruett’s customer service staff will do their best to work around your schedule, so that your HVAC repairs and maintenance cause the absolute minimum of disruption.

Unusual noises from your HVAC system can indicate various issues:

• Banging or clanking: Loose or broken parts inside the compressor.
• Squealing: Worn-out fan belt or motor bearings.
• Clicking: Faulty electrical components or a failing thermostat.
• Hissing: Potential refrigerant leak or ductwork issues.

If you hear any of these sounds, turn off your system and give Pruett Air Conditioning a call. Our trained technicians can inspect and fix the issue before it turns into something costlier or dangerous.

If your AC is running but not cooling, consider these steps:

• Check the thermostat settings: Ensure it’s set to “cool” and the temperature is lower than the current room temperature.
• Inspect the air filter: A dirty filter can restrict airflow; replace it if necessary.
• Examine the outdoor unit: Clear any debris around the condenser coils.
• Look for frozen evaporator coils: If you see ice buildup, turn off the AC and let it thaw.

Still warm after all that? Pruett’s team is just a call away — we’ll diagnose and restore your system’s cooling fast and professionally.

Uneven temperatures can result from:

• Blocked or closed vents: Ensure all vents are open and unobstructed.
• Leaky or poorly insulated ductwork: Leaks can cause air loss, leading to inconsistent temperatures.
• Improperly sized HVAC system: An oversized or undersized unit can lead to uneven heating or cooling.
• Thermostat placement: A thermostat located near heat sources or drafts can cause inaccurate readings.

If certain rooms are too hot or too cold, it’s time for a system check. Pruett Air Conditioning can pinpoint the cause and offer balanced, energy-efficient solutions tailored to your home.

Consider the following factors:

• Age of the system: If it’s over 10–15 years old, replacement might be more cost-effective.
• Repair costs: If repairs exceed 50% of the cost of a new system, replacement is advisable.
• Frequency of repairs: Frequent breakdowns indicate it’s time for a new unit.
• Energy efficiency: Older systems are less efficient; upgrading can reduce energy bills.

At Pruett, we’ll never push you into a new system if a repair makes sense. But when it’s time, we’ll walk you through the best Carrier options for your home and budget.

Signs of a faulty thermostat include:

• HVAC system not turning on or off: The thermostat fails to communicate with the system.
• Incorrect temperature readings: The displayed temperature doesn’t match the room’s actual temperature.
• Frequent cycling: The system turns on and off more frequently than usual.
• Unresponsive controls: Buttons or touchscreen are non-functional.

If your comfort feels off even though the system’s running, your thermostat might be to blame. Pruett’s techs can test, recalibrate, or recommend a smart thermostat upgrade that fits your needs.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the condition of the air inside your home — specifically how clean, fresh, and breathable it is. Poor IAQ can lead to allergy flare-ups, headaches, fatigue, or even long-term respiratory issues. Maintaining clean indoor air is especially important if you have kids, pets, or family members with asthma or sensitivities.

Start with a few simple habits:

• Vacuum regularly using a HEPA filter vacuum.
• Replace your HVAC filters every 1–3 months.
• Keep humidity levels between 30–50% to discourage mold.
• Let in fresh air when possible, especially during mild weather.

Pruett Air Conditioning offers comprehensive IAQ solutions, including advanced filtration systems and humidity control options, to help you breathe easier.

Yes, both can add an extra layer of protection. Air purifiers help trap dust, pet dander, pollen, and smoke particles that regular filters may miss. UV lights, installed inside the HVAC system, work to neutralize mold, bacteria, and airborne viruses. Together, they create a cleaner, healthier air circulation throughout your home.

Here are some red flags to watch for:

• Dust builds up quickly after cleaning
• Vents smell musty when the system kicks on
• Some rooms feel stuffy or get less airflow
• Your energy bills are rising without a clear reason

If any of these sound familiar, it might be time for a duct inspection. Leaky or dirty ducts can quietly hurt both your comfort and your wallet.

Absolutely. Dry air is common during colder months and can cause static shocks, dry skin, and irritated sinuses. A whole-home humidifier adds just the right amount of moisture into the air, making your home feel more comfortable, and even helping your heating system work more efficiently by making air feel warmer.

Lowering energy costs requires a combination of system care and smart usage habits:

• Thermostat Adjustments: Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in winter and higher in summer, particularly when you’re not home.
• Seal Air Leaks: Address gaps around windows, doors, and ductwork that allow conditioned air to escape.
• Routine Maintenance: A well-maintained HVAC system runs more efficiently and lasts longer.
• Improve Insulation: Proper insulation in key areas like the attic helps maintain indoor temperatures with less energy use.

If you’re unsure where to start, Pruett Air Conditioning offers system assessments and maintenance plans to help improve long-term energy efficiency.

Yes. Replacing an older HVAC system with a newer, energy-efficient model can reduce your monthly utility bills by 20 to 40 percent. Newer systems are designed to consume less energy while maintaining consistent indoor comfort, especially when properly installed and matched to your home.

Pruett can help you determine if an upgrade is cost-effective based on your current system’s age, performance, and efficiency rating.

A zoning system allows you to control the temperature in different parts of your home independently. This means:

• Improved Comfort: Each zone can be set to meet specific needs or preferences.
• Energy Savings: Heating or cooling only the areas in use can reduce unnecessary energy consumption.
• Less System Strain: The system runs more efficiently and may require fewer repairs over time.

Zoning systems are especially effective in multi-story homes or layouts with uneven temperature distribution. We can advise whether zoning makes sense for your home’s layout and usage.

Yes. Homeowners in Georgia may qualify for local rebates on certain energy-efficient systems and upgrades. Additionally, federal tax credits are available for qualified products, including up to $2,000 for eligible heat pump installations under current energy incentive programs.

Pruett can walk you through available incentives and ensure all necessary documentation is handled correctly.

A smart thermostat can reduce heating and cooling costs by automatically adjusting temperature settings based on your schedule and preferences. On average, homeowners report savings of 10–12% on heating and up to 15% on cooling per year.

When installed alongside an efficient HVAC system, a smart thermostat can contribute to noticeable, ongoing energy savings.