Air Conditioning
Field Plumbing & Heating is your #1 HVAC contractor in Paw Paw, MI, and the surrounding communities. We are the leading company for all of your air conditioning needs. If you need repairs, maintenance, or a brand new system installed, the technicians at Field Plumbing & Heating are the qualified and professional crew for the job.
We provide the highest quality service for your air conditioner. We also aim to educate and inform our customers. Informed decisions are good decisions. We want you to feel confident we are qualified to perform the service for which you are hiring us.
How Much Money Can a New Air Conditioner Save You?
Our SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2) energy savings calculator can help determine how much you could save on your utility bills. Simply enter your current unit’s SEER value and compare it to a newer, more efficient SEER2 unit. You can even customize it to better match your home’s system for a more accurate calculation.
SEER2 Energy Savings Calculator
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This calculator does not guarantee actual costs or savings and is only to be used for educational purposes.
Customize to Your Home
Adjust these settings for a more accurate calculation:
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Historical Comparison
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** Data from U.S. Energy Information Administration
*** Data from 2002 EPA study
** Data for Canadian cities from nrcan.gc.ca
*** Data from weatherdatadepot.com
Air Conditioning Basics
The four main components to your air conditioner are:
Condenser: The condenser is the outside metal unit and where the gas from the compressor is condensed into a liquid. The gas entering the condenser is very hot. The temperature is then lowered, so the gas can convert back to a liquid.
Compressor: The compressor is inside the condenser. It circulates the pressurized refrigerant, to concentrate the heat, and changes the low pressure gas to high pressure.
Evaporator: The evaporator is the part of the system inside the home. In simple language, it absorbs the heat from your home.
Expansion Valve: The expansion valve controls the amount of refrigerant in your system.
All of these pieces are connected by a copper tube that handles refrigerant, creating a closed loop. Heat is collected in the evaporator, sent outside to the condenser. The heat is removed, and the cool air is recirculated back into your home.
AC Facts
An Air Conditioner Doesn’t Create Cool Air.
What happens in the AC process is actually the removal of heat from the air. Your AC uses a chemical called refrigerant to remove heat and transfer it outside. The warm air runs through the lines and coils in your unit and goes from liquid to gas and back again. During this process, the refrigerant removes the heat and transfers it elsewhere so that when the air comes out the other side, it is cool.
Your AC Will Remove Humidity.
Lower humidity helps the overall comfort level in your home by making you feel cooler, even if the temperature is the same.
Your Air Filter Needs To Be Checked And Replaced Every Three To Six Months.
(depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations)
A dirty air filter restricts your air flow, which reduces efficiency, costing you money, and over time can put stress on your unit and could cause a costly repair.
Maintenance, Maintenance, Maintenance.
Your air conditioner needs regular checkups to keep it running in tip-top shape. Having regular annual preventative maintenance will bring your system longer life and fewer breakdowns over all.
SEER
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) measures air conditioning and heat pump cooling efficiency, which is calculated by the cooling output for a typical cooling season divided by the total electric energy input during the same time frame. A higher SEER rating means greater energy efficiency.
At Field Plumbing & Heating, we provide all the services you need to keep your AC running in top-notch shape. Call us at 269-674-3839 for repairs, maintenance, or new-system installation.
What Size AC Unit Do I Need in Southwest Michigan?
Air conditioner sizing isn't based on square footage alone, but general estimates give you a solid starting baseline:
- 1,500 Sq. Ft. Home: Typically requires a 2.5-ton unit (30,000 BTUs).
- 2,000 Sq. Ft. Home: Typically requires a 3-ton to 3.5-ton unit (36,000 to 42,000 BTUs).
- 2,500 Sq. Ft. Home: Typically requires a 3.5-ton to 4-ton unit (42,000 to 48,000 BTUs).
To determine the exact tonnage your home requires, our licensed technicians perform a precise Manual J load calculation. Factors like ceiling height, window efficiency, attic insulation, sun exposure, and the condition of your ductwork all play a major role in final system sizing.
How Long Does It Take to Install an AC?
A standard air conditioner replacement typically takes 4 to 8 hours and is completed in a single day.
The process includes:
Old Equipment Removal: Safely draining the old refrigerant, hauling away your worn-out outdoor condenser and indoor coil, and prepping the work area.
Placing & Connecting the New System: Setting up the new outdoor unit, installing the indoor coil, and connecting fresh copper lines to move refrigerant efficiently.
Wiring & Thermostat Setup: Hooking up electrical power, setting up control wiring, and pairing the system with your thermostat.
System Testing & Fine-Tuning: Clearing moisture from the lines, charging the refrigerant to exact factory levels, and checking airflow to make sure every room cools properly.
Replacing ductwork or relocating the outdoor condenser unit can extend installation time up to 2 days.
What SEER2 Rating Should I Choose for My Michigan Home?
In Michigan, the baseline efficiency standard is 13.4 SEER2. Choosing the right rating depends on your budget and long-term energy goals:
- 13.4 to 15: Reliable single-stage cooling with a lower upfront equipment cost.
- 16 to 18: Usually paired with two-stage compressors. These units run at low speeds most of the time for smoother temperature control.
- 19+: Variable-speed systems use inverter technology to precisely balance your home’s temperature by making minuscule adjustments. They deliver maximum comfort, improved indoor air quality, quieter operation, and peak energy savings.
When Should I Replace My Air Conditioner?
Replacing your old air conditioner before it completely breaks down is usually the smartest financial move you can make. Look for these warning signs:
Over 12 Years Old: Once a system hits the 12- to 15-year mark, efficiency drops, and parts begin to fail more frequently.
The 50% Repair Rule: If a single repair bill approaches half the cost of a new system, putting that money toward a replacement makes far more financial sense.
Outdated R-22 Refrigerant: If your older unit uses phased-out R-22, even a minor top-off or leak repair will cost a significant amount.
Higher Energy Bills: An older AC guzzles energy, especially when temperatures climb into the 80s and 90s.
Uneven Temperatures & Sticky Indoor Air: If rooms stay warm, the house feels humid, or the unit runs non-stop without ever cooling things down, the system can no longer keep up.
Can a New AC System Lower Energy Costs?
Yes. Replacing an older unit with a 15-18 SEER2 system can reduce your cooling energy consumption by up to 40%. Today’s equipment uses high-efficiency fan motors and variable-speed compressors that adjust automatically to keep your home cool without constantly running at full blast.
Do You Offer Financing for AC Installation?
Yes! We offer low monthly payment plans and promotional low-interest or no-interest terms to help you upgrade without straining your budget. Our team handles the application process directly, so you know your financing options before installation begins.
“A trained and competent technician arrived at the scheduled time; was courteous; respectful of our home; performed both maintenance and repairs on our AC in a timely fashion at a reasonable price. Highly recommend Field Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Lawrence, Mi 49064”
Very knowledgeable, very professional, clean, and on time. Very satisfied with work and equipment.
-William P.
I had the AC go out on my house in the middle of the summer all the contractors were about a week out from even getting me an estimate even further from that for an install. They got me an estimate for the same day I called and started to install the next day. Their customer service was above and beyond they kept in touch with me every step of the way I would highly recommend them. Maher the technician they sent out was very helpful and friendly and answered every question I have made sure it was working perfectly before he left.
-Bob S.
Great service. Our service tech was professional, respectful, and technically skilled. Field was responsive to our needs. They were able to get our air conditioner serviced on a 90 degree day.
-Gary B.
Need Air Conditioner Service?
Contact the experts at Field Plumbing & Heating.
Call us at 269-674-3839!