When to Tune Up, Replace, or Upgrade Your AC | Running Right Heating and Cooling

Spring is the time to get your HVAC system ready before the first real heat wave hits. In this episode of Hire It Done, I sit down with Ron Garmo and Gary Shelley from Running Right Heating and Cooling, along with co-host Brian Lee of Metro Home Improvements, to talk about AC tune-ups, mini splits, equipment replacement, indoor air quality, and what homeowners should know before summer puts their systems to the test.   We cover when to turn your air conditioner on for the first time, why the first hot day always creates a rush of HVAC calls, when a 20-plus-year-old system should be replaced, how mini splits work for additions and problem rooms, and why indoor air quality starts with the right filtration and airflow.   If you are planning a remodel, adding space, finishing a room above a garage, or trying to make your home more comfortable this spring and summer, this episode will help you ask better questions and avoid expensive mistakes. Q&A Question: When should I turn on my AC for the first time in spring? Answer: If you catch a warm day, turn the system on and make sure it seems like it is working properly. The best move is to schedule a spring maintenance check before the first hot day, when HVAC companies get flooded with calls.   Question: When should homeowners think about replacing an AC or furnace? Answer: Once equipment reaches the 20-plus-year range, it is time to start thinking about replacement. A repair may still make sense, but you should weigh the age of the unit, repair cost, efficiency, warranty, and whether that money is better put toward a new system.   Question: What is a mini split? Answer: A mini split is a heating and cooling system with an indoor unit and an outdoor condensing unit. It can be useful for additions, garage spaces, bonus rooms, and areas where traditional ductwork is difficult or not practical.   Question: Can a garage be tied into the home HVAC system? Answer: No. Gary explains that heating a garage cannot be tied into the existing system for the house. It needs a separate solution, which may include insulation, a mini split, or a standalone system depending on the space.   Question: What matters most when choosing a furnace, AC, or mini split? Answer: The installation matters. Ron says the best mini split is the one installed right, and Adam reinforces that the contractor can make or break the product.   Question: How can homeowners improve indoor air quality? Answer: Start with the HVAC filter. Running Right recommends four-to-five-inch media filters as a minimum in many cases, and homeowners can also ask about electronic filtration, UV-style air purification, and other indoor air quality options.   If you are thinking about turning on your AC, replacing old equipment, upgrading your air quality, or planning a remodel that affects heating and cooling, this episode is worth watching before you make decisions. 🔗 CONNECT WITH RUNNING RIGHT HVAC 💻 Website: https://runningrighthvac.com/ 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Running-Right-Heating-Cooling-More/100063483913563/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningright/ 📞 Phone: 248-884-1704 🛠️ Request a Free Quote: https://runningrighthvac.com/request-a-quote/   🔗 CONNECT WITH Adam 💻 Website: https://hireitdone.com/ 🎥 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/HireitDone 🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhelfman/ 🤝 https://www.linkedin.com/company/hireitdone/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hireitdone 𝕏 X: https://x.com/helfystyle