Cooling FAQs

Find Answers to Your Most Common Cooling FAQs Here

At Interstate Heating, we want to help you stay cool and comfortable any way we can. Sometimes, that means just being available to answer your questions and concerns. That’s what these cooling FAQs are for—find the answers to your most commonly asked questions below, and don’t hesitate to call us at 262-246-4772 for top-notch service.

1. How can I save money on my monthly cooling bill?

Simple steps are your best bet—change your filters at the recommended intervals so your system doesn’t get bogged down with dust, pet hair, and mold. And commit to annual maintenance because a clean unit will run more efficiently and need fewer emergency repairs.

2. Should I close the registers and doors to areas of the home that I don’t use on a regular basis?

No, because your system was sized to cool your entire home. When you change the area it services, it actually affects airflow in a way that makes your system work harder and less efficiently. A better way to customize temperatures in different rooms is with zoning that’s designed for this purpose, or with a ductless system that can address comfort issues one room at a time.

3. How do I know if I need to call a service technician for my air conditioner or if it’s just my thermostat?

Many of today’s smart control panels will notify you of system failures that require professional help. Check for alerts, and note that if the screen is blank, you may just need new batteries in the thermostat. After that, check to make sure the gas valve and power switches are on, the filter is clean, and the temperature setting is lower than room temperature. Then, if you’re still having trouble, give us a call before things get uncomfortable.

4. Why is there water under my air conditioner?

The easy answer is that the condensate line may be clogged and you just need to clean the line running to your floor drain. More complicated issues usually involve the evaporator coil, but you’ll need to call a service tech to check this out.

5. Why does my air conditioner have ice on it?

If you have ice on your AC, make sure the air filter isn’t clogged with dirt and that debris has not made its way into the vents, fan, or motor. If a quick cleaning doesn’t resolve the problem, you likely have a low refrigerant charge, due to a leak in the system. You will need to call a professional like Interstate because refrigerants are regulated and require careful handling. Also note that if your unit is 10 or more years old, it may use a refrigerant called R-22, which is being phased out for environmental reasons and in short supply. Depending on the age of your air conditioner, we can help you decide if it’s better to replace or repair it.

6. How do ductless systems work?

As the name implies, a ductless system doesn’t need ductwork—instead it delivers treated air to one or more indoor units through small, flexible conduits connected to a single outdoor air handler. The system uses a heat pump, which can cool air as needed, so it’s a great option to make rooms more comfortable all year long. It’s also very efficient because it doesn’t create cold air—it simply transfers energy in or out of a room to adjust the temperature.

7. Does it matter who fixes my air conditioner?

Choosing an experienced heating and cooling contractor can actually save you time and money. Instead of looking for a coupon or whoever can fit you in their schedule first, go with a company like Interstate that has installed thousands of systems and stands behind its work. As a Carrier® Factory Authorized Dealer, we have been carefully trained and must adhere to the highest standards of customer service and honest business practices. We can handle even the most difficult job, and we’ll do it right the first time, guaranteed.

If you have additional questions, our team is ready to help. Call us at 262-246-4772 and see why more homeowners and home builders turn to us for answers.