July 21, 2011

With summer here and in full effect, you need to be sure you can rely on your air-conditioning system to keep you comfortable for the remainder of the season. If your HVAC system has been showing its age or seeming less reliable, you should plan to either replace or repair it--but how to decide? By asking yourself the following questions, you can determine the route that’s most cost-efficient and appropriate for you.

How old is my air-conditioning system?
If your cooling equipment is more than ten years old, it needs to be replaced. Many advances have been made in energy-efficient technology, allowing you to achieve the same cooling results with just a fraction of the energy once needed. The savings stemming from your utility bills each month will combine to offset the cost of the new air system. With a air-conditioning system that's older than ten years, any money you pour into repairs only postpones replacing the system—frankly, it will buy you a little bit of time but would be better put towards a new system.

What is my current air-conditioning system’s SEER number?
The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) is a standard rating used to compare the energy efficiency of various models of air conditioners. All air-conditioning units display their SEER numbers on a label so you can easily compare them. The higher the rating, the more efficiently that air conditioner uses energy to cool a space. Today, manufacturers no longer produce anything with a SEER less than 12; however, the older models still present in many homes may rate as low as SEER 7, which can yield some significant utility bills. By upgrading to a higher-SEER system, you’ll benefit from increased energy efficiency, lower utility bills and fewer repairs.

What size of A/C unit should I have?
An HVAC specialist needs to perform a load calculation on your home to determine the correct size of air-conditioning system for your home’s cooling needs. A system that is too small will be unable to cool your house efficiently, while one that is too large will work inefficiently, and won’t properly dehumidify your air. Incorrectly-sized air conditioners inevitably lead to long-term problems, including an uncomfortable, overly warm house and pricey utility bills.

To determine whether you’re better off replacing or repairing your air-conditioning system, contact Russell's Heating and Coolingtoday. We have proudly served the Hampton Roads area since 1977, and are happy to help you.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

Russell’s Heating & Cooling services the Chesapeake, Virginia and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website.

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Russell's HVAC, HVAC service technician, VA

Regular annual maintenance keeps your system operating at peak efficiency. Experience has shown that a system that runs well keeps your utility costs in line — in fact, independent 3rd party research shows that you can save over $30 per month on utility bills.

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What Our Customers Are Saying

  • I can't complement your team enough on the wonderful job done with regard to the installation of the new system in our home. More specifically, we want to recognize the outstanding efforts of: Roberto-- the initial visit and diagnosis of the problem.

    Dan & Connie, Virginia Beach

  • I recently had your team install a new gas package unit including all new duct work at my house in Chesapeake. I had a split system that had undersized ducting which was removed by your installers.

    Mike & Sandi, Chesapeake, VA

  • We purchased a one time service for $79. They came out on time, checked out the geothermal system...they were very professional and kind.

    Nicholas H., Chesapeake, VA

  • We would like to thank your company for an excellent job. We are very pleased with the new (Mitsubishi ductless mini split) system that was installed last week. It works wonderfully at heating our home.

    Danny and Teresa S., Chesapeake, VA

  • Not one single idea for improvement. Keep doing what you do. OUTSTANDING!

    Charles J., Norfolk, VA

  • Great job!...World class employees!

    Colleen & Jim C., Suffolk, VA

  • Everything went great! This is the second big project we've had done through Russell's and we couldn't be more happy! We had the most dedicated, polite, and respectful crew! The team consisted of Elliot, Chase and Sean. Sean was here for the removal process on day one, and did awesome!

    J. Luhan, VA Beach

  • Hi Nate, please pass along our appreciation for you, Elliot and Steve. We are very happy with you being able to arrange our ( Lennox ) replacement system so quickly!

    T. Johnson, VA Beach

  • Thank you for running a top notch company and sending over to us two excellent folks Terry and Shawn. They did an awesome job putting in our new furnace system. Also thank you for Donald and Nate who did a superb job as well. Please reward these guys with some sort of commendations or rewards....

  • ...folks need to know how wonderful working with Russell's Heating & Air Conditioning is. They were very professional all the way thru the process of getting our unit installed down to the payment plan. I have been telling our neighbors and my co-workers about the experience.

    Pamela F., Chesapeake, VA

  • Every moment from the time an appointment was set up until the day the work was completed was a pleasure. Every employee was a delight to work with. The proof that the product was great came when the electric bills started coming in the airconditioning season.

    Douglas P., VA Beach

  • I am extremely satisfied with both the Lennox unit I purchased and the employees of Russell's. Even with poor window and door quality in this overly tired house, I am actually cooled off sufficiently enough to call it chilly.

    Robin W., Chesapeake, VA

  • Over the years I have gained the utmost trust in my service technician Corey Lesko's knowledge and work ethic while servicing my system.

  • I am writing this letter to commend your company on a great job! We were very pleased with how the company performed in every area...the installers did an impeccable job. They were very knowledgeable, efficient, and hard workers—staying focused to the task in the extreme heat.

    Pastor Larry E. O'Brien, Churchland Assembly of God

  • A year ago, I contracted with Russell's to tune up and clean the heating and cooling system. How impressively your specialist cleaned my system...he also found a defective automatic (programmable) thermostat. Quite quickly, he replaced my automatic thermostat. The results?

    R. Snider, Norfolk, VA

  • You recently installed a new Trane unit for us. We want you to know we are completely satisfied. The outside unit is now a hum versus the roar of the old one...we also want to recognize the installer...we cannot overstate what we think of his workmanship.

    K. Hawkins, Portsmouth, VA

  • Great and prompt service – as usual. Everything from ordering the a/c unit to installation went smoothly. Thanks for everything.

    B. Fenstermaker, VA Beach

  • Everyone was very nice. I felt well informed about my purchase. Your staff is great! I don't usually return opinion forms, but you need to know you have a staff you can be proud of!

    V. Horn, Chesapeake, VA

  • You have a new customer for life and I will definitely tell all my friends about your prompt, courteous service, your knowledgeable technicians, and your very reasonable prices. Thank you very much Russell's. You warmed much more than just my heart!

    G. Knoop, Chesapeake, VA

  • Your company was very responsive to my needs. The quality of your work was extremely high.

    Ms. Bright, Chesapeake, VA

  • Your workers actually made this total replacement project an enjoyable learning experience...they were always willing to stop and answer any questions. Their pleasant and cooperative attitudes cannot be praised enough!

    J. Wellons, Portsmouth, VA

  • Very pleased with both the price and service. The installation went off without a hitch and everything exceeded our expectations. When finished, the work areas, including the attic, were so clean you couldn't tell anything had been done.

    T. Marsh, VA Beach

  • Great expertise and timely service.

    H. Turbeville, Chesapeake, VA