These are the most frequently asked questions about HVAC, Sizing, and More. Please feel free to contact us if you don’t see your question answered below.
How often you run your system, the system’s age, its make and model, and whether or not it was serviced regularly over the course of its life can all play a significant role in how long your system will last you.d/or air conditioner to last approximately 15 years.
You can expect to pay a diagnostic fee to cover the cost of the technician's visit, the diagnosis of your air conditioner's issue, and a quote for the repair options. However, this fee is waived if the repairs are completed on the same day as the appointment.
As a general rule of thumb, changing your filter once a month is recommended for most households. However, the frequency can vary depending on factors like your location and the amount of dirt, pet dander, and other contaminants in your environment. Regularly check your filter to see if it's dirty, and replace it as needed.
Determining the right size heating and cooling unit for your home isn't straightforward. Several factors influence the appropriate size, including the type of house, wall construction, insulation, attic space, and more. An oversized system can lead to excessive humidity, causing moisture and mold issues, while an undersized system will run constantly, increasing your energy bills. Only a qualified heating and cooling technician can accurately assess your home and recommend the best unit size.
In most cases, the answer is yes—you should replace both the outdoor and indoor units simultaneously. Here are a few reasons why: Compatibility: Air conditioner and heat pump outdoor units are designed to work with matched indoor units. Mixing and matching units can lead to reduced efficiency and performance. Lifespan: If you purchased your indoor and outdoor units at the same time, the indoor unit is likely nearing the end of its useful life when the outdoor unit fails. Replacing only the outdoor unit means you'll soon face the same issue with the indoor unit, along with potentially higher energy bills. Warranty: Purchasing indoor and outdoor units together ensures you receive a warranty covering the entire system. This means you won't have to bear the full cost of any repairs needed during the warranty period.
Covering your unit can help prevent debris from accumulating, but it can cause problems if you operate the unit with the cover in place. If you're going on a long trip and plan to turn off the unit, you can cover it. Just make sure to disconnect the power source before you leave.
R-22 refrigerant and equipment are being phased out due to Montreal Protocol regulations aimed at reducing ozone depletion. As time goes on, replacement parts and refrigerants for old R-22 units will become increasingly scarce and costly. Replacing your unit now can help you avoid future headaches and expenses.
Just like you take your car in for regular tune-ups to keep it running smoothly and hit the gym to stay fit, your air conditioning unit also needs regular maintenance, especially before the hot summer months arrive. The ideal time to schedule air conditioner maintenance is in the spring. There are many reasons for this, which we'll discuss further below, but one of the primary reasons is to ensure your heating and cooling systems are ready before the times of year when you rely on them the most.
Not necessarily. It's crucial to purchase an air conditioner that's the right size for your home. If you buy an AC unit that's too large, it may cool your home quickly, but it will be less efficient and won't effectively eliminate humidity. This can result in short-run cycles where the unit shuts off before adequately removing moisture from your system, leaving excess humidity that can lead to mold and mildew growth in your home. Additionally, frequent starting and stopping of the system can increase energy consumption and accelerate wear and tear. Longer run cycles are generally more efficient.
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, encompassing the entire heating and cooling system. This includes furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioning systems, ductwork, thermostats, as well as indoor air quality solutions such as air filtration systems and humidifiers.
While it's typical for HVAC equipment to produce some noise during operation, unusual or loud sounds like humming, banging, or scraping could signal a problem with the system. If you're experiencing such noises or if it's time for a replacement, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We'll help outfit your home with a quieter, energy-efficient HVAC system.
Duct cleaning involves thoroughly cleaning the various components of HVAC forced air systems. This includes the air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers, coils, fan motor, fan housing, and the air handling unit housing. Without proper maintenance, dust, pollen, and other debris can accumulate in these components over time.
A heat pump serves as both a heating and air conditioning system, offering year-round comfort. It can be installed alongside various indoor systems, such as all-electric and dual-fuel setups. During the winter, a heat pump extracts heat from the cold outdoor air and transfers it indoors to warm your home. However, in cases where additional heat is needed for desired comfort levels, electric heaters or gas furnaces are commonly used to supplement the heat provided by the heat pump.
As its name implies, a two-stage compressor functions in two stages. Some models feature a single compressor with two stages, while others incorporate two separate compressors. In either configuration, the unit primarily operates in the lower stage, running at less than full capacity most of the time. However, during exceptionally hot days, it switches to stage two, operating at full capacity. This dual-stage operation enhances efficiency since the system isn't constantly running at maximum capacity, resulting in energy savings on utility bills. An alternative to two-stage compressors is variable-speed compressors, which operate at even lower capacities, further optimizing efficiency.
Variable speed equipment offers increased efficiency and enhances comfort levels in your indoor environment. Unlike traditional systems that operate with single-speed fans and only monitor temperature, variable airflow systems utilize variable-speed fans. These fans adjust their speed based on the system's requirements, running at lower speeds when maximum airflow isn't necessary. Additionally, variable-speed systems monitor both temperature and humidity, allowing them to remove more moisture than traditional systems. This increased moisture control boosts comfort, particularly during hotter weather. Moreover, variable-speed fans tend to operate more quietly since they can run at lower speeds as needed.
When it comes to energy efficiency, the general principle is to set your thermostat higher in summer and lower in winter. However, the ultimate goal of air conditioners and furnaces is to maintain comfort in your home. Therefore, finding the right balance between comfort and energy efficiency is key. For optimal energy efficiency and lower utility bills, we recommend setting your thermostat around 78 degrees in summer and 68 degrees in winter. Alongside your personal preferences, factors such as your home's insulation, condition of ducts, air filter quality, presence of ceiling fans, and whether vents are obstructed all play a role in determining the ideal temperature for your home. Adjustments based on these factors can further optimize comfort and efficiency.
Yes, it is. New equipment is no longer allowed to use R-22 due to environmental regulations. While R-22 is still produced for existing residential air conditioning units, its production is gradually decreasing. By January 1, 2020, the production of R-22 will be reduced by 99.5%, making it expensive and challenging to find. Consequently, if your system relies on R-22 refrigerant, you may want to consider transitioning to a newer system.
Already know what you need? Bring out your technician right now, and be sure to check out our special offers.
Already know what you need? Bring out your
technician right now, and be sure to check out
our special offers.
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