HVAC Frequently Asked Questions

The SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) is how the efficiency of your heating and cooling equipment is measured. The SEER is the amount of cooling your system will deliver per dollar spent on electricity, as compared to other systems. For example, a 3-ton unit may have a SEER efficiency rating of 13, 14, or 15. The higher the SEER the more efficient the system will be. The SEER rating of any given unit can range anywhere from 13 to 21.

Regular HVAC maintenance prevents breakdowns, extends equipment life, and keeps your energy bills in check. Heat pumps and air conditioners should be tuned up twice a year — once in spring and once in fall. Tri-County Aire offers maintenance plans for Southern Maryland homeowners to make this easy and affordable.

The right HVAC size depends on your home’s square footage, insulation, windows, and layout — not just a rough estimate. One ton of cooling typically handles 300 to 800 square feet, depending on construction. Tri-County Aire performs in-home load analysis to size your system correctly the first time.

Most HVAC systems last between 12 and 15 years. Regular maintenance can extend that lifespan significantly. If your system is approaching or past that range, Tri-County Aire can assess whether repair or replacement is the smarter investment.

Since they are electronic, programmable thermostats are more accurate and efficient than thermostats that contain mercury. With programmable thermostats you can control the temperature in your home at different times of day without ever touching your thermostat. Because everything is automatic, you will never forget to change the setting on your own.

By scheduling your programmable thermostat to a higher or lower temperature based on your weekday work hours, you can save money on energy bills while still enjoying a comfortable home during evenings and weekends. A Tri-County Aire technician will gladly walk you through how to use your programmable thermostat.

Standard filters work to keep your system and its ductwork clean, but they don’t really improve indoor air quality. To do that you need a media air cleaner. The media filter rests between the main return duct and the blower cabinet and will improve dust and particle removal up to seven times that of a standard filter. However, upgrading to a pleated media filter will remove everything from dust to airborne viruses from the filtered air. Always choose a filter that matches your blower’s capacity. For optimal efficiency and filtration, we recommend that you replace your disposable filters at least once a month. If you have washable filters, they should be cleaned once a month.

There are many factors that affect the sizing and specifications of your system, including square footage, insulation, window surface and configuration, geographic location of your home, duct sizing and arrangement, and many others. A technician from Tri-County Aire can perform an in-home load analysis to determine which equipment combinations will perfectly suit your home and your family’s needs. Depending upon the construction of your home, one (1) ton of air conditioning can cool anywhere from 300 to 800 square feet of home. The only way to insure the size of the system you purchase will be large enough to cool your home, but not any larger than you need, is to have your home’s individual heating and cooling needs evaluated by a licensed professional.

Most HVAC systems last between 12 and 15 years. Regular maintenance can extend that lifespan significantly. If your system is approaching or past that range, Tri-County Aire can assess whether repair or replacement is the smarter investment.

Call Tri-County Aire at 800-890-5123. We provide 24/7 emergency HVAC service throughout Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties in Southern Maryland, as well as King George County, Virginia. Our on-call technicians are available nights, weekends, and holidays.

Tri-County Aire serves all of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties in Southern Maryland, plus King George County in Virginia. We’ve been the trusted local HVAC contractor in this region since 1987.

Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. However, we offer 24/7 emergency service every day of the week, including weekends and holidays. Call 800-890-5123 anytime for urgent HVAC needs.

Tri-County Aire has been serving homeowners and businesses since 1988, providing reliable heating, cooling, and indoor air quality services. Over nearly four decades, we have built our reputation on quality workmanship, honest service, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Our experience allows us to deliver trusted HVAC solutions that keep our customers comfortable year-round.

Yes. Tri-County Aire offers special financing options, including 0% APR plans, to help Southern Maryland homeowners manage the cost of a new heating or cooling system. Contact us or visit our website to learn about current financing offers.