Central Air Conditioning Basics: What Every Cincinnati Homeowner Should Know

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Whether you’re looking at upgrading your current central air conditioning system or you’re considering installing A/C for the first time, you need to learn a few things about this effective home cooling method before you make a change. Here’s what every Cincinnati homeowner should know.

When to Replace the Air Conditioner

If your A/C system is old, inefficient or needing repair, consider replacing it sooner rather than later. Today’s most efficient air conditioners are up to 60 percent more efficient than those manufactured only 10 years ago. The inability of an aging system to keep you comfortable without expensive repairs is a good sign that replacement is imminent.

As long as you take care of a central air conditioning system with preventative maintenance, you can expect it to last 12 to 15 years.

Cost of Central Air Conditioning

Many factors affect the cost of a new A/C unit, including the unit’s size and efficiency, any advanced features you desire, the need to add a new thermostat, and the condition of existing ductwork.

What to Look For in a New Central Air Conditioner

  • A properly sized A/C unit is fundamental to its performance and efficiency. Make sure the contractor you choose performs load calculations to determine precisely the right size.
  • Compare efficiency ratings and decide what you’re willing to invest. After all, the more efficient the system is, the more it costs upfront, but the less it costs to operate. Determine the payback period associated with different efficiency levels to help you make an educated decision.
  • Look for advanced features such as a two-speed compressor, thermostatic expansion valve and variable-speed air handler to increase comfort and energy efficiency.

A/C Installation Process

Along with placing the new equipment, an installer also inspects ductwork sealing and insulation, refrigerant piping, wiring, return and supply registers, thermostat calibration, air filter, and more to ensure he or she leaves you with an optimally performing system.

If you’re ready to upgrade your central air conditioning system, or you have any remaining questions, please contact Apollo Home Heating, Cooling and Plumbing in greater Cincinnati today.

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"Ernie & Mike did a superb job on my new furnace and A/C installation. Despite having more than a day’s work to do, they came in and stayed until the job was done. They were organized, efficient, and protected the rest of the house well. Got both furnace and A/C installed the same day. Ernie was courteous, informative, and clearly knew his job better than anyone I’ve encountered before. The units look so good guests now get The Tour of our new system. Apollo is clearly not a fly-by-night company. I would recommend them to anyone in need of a new furnace and/or A/C."
- Jerry A.
"I called Apollo because of a water leak I thought I had in our upstairs shower going into the kitchen. Robbie came and assured me everything was fine & looked at all the other plumbing. He ended up changing a few pipes for our washer & clearing a drain. He was very nice & knowledgeable with all my questions. I ended up signing up for the care plan & was very happy with my service."
- Cassandra B.
"The team at Apollo exceeded my expectations. As a business owner, my attention to the details and commitment to providing excellent service is high. From the sales rep. to the installation team, everyone’s performance was outstanding. For example, the installation team went to great lengths to protect our floors, placing floor runners and across the wood floors and up the stairs. They even were spot washing walls upon their departure. I highly recommend this company."
- Randy B.
"We scheduled an estimate AND a tune-up. We knew something was wrong with our furnace, but hoped we could make it through the rest of the season. Upon telling Bill what our furnace was doing, he warned us immediately what the possible outcome was going to be; a cracked heat exchanger. He watched the flames roll backward, tested carbon monoxide levels, which were so high they meter’s last reading was 5,600 before saying “high”. He immediately shut it down, tagged it, and explained that with levels that high and children in our home he wanted off right away. He continued his inspection and showed us via a camera that not only was it cracked in multiple places, but had holes all over it. He gave us a few options for repairing it; his knowledge as well as genuine concern was beneficial and refreshing. Luckily we also scheduled an estimator, Micah, to come too and we were able to get costs between repairing and replacing (with several options). We decided to replace with a much higher efficiency furnace and one sized properly to our home. Hands down, not only did they both provide us great service and knowledge, but without sounding dramatic, they may have saved our lives. This was our first time calling Apollo, but it won’t be our last."
- Sarah B.
"Apollo is an excellent company. I always receive great service. Alex A. was professional and friendly. He kept me informed during the process of checking my furnace and heat pump to make sure they were working properly. The company makes sure you are notified who is coming and when they are on the way. All my interactions with the company have been wonderful."
- Beverly S.
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