Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC
Here is a listing of the most common HVAC questions and answers that we get from our customers. Still need some help for your personal situation or needs? Give us a call today!
HVAC is an abbreviation for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. The abbreviation HVAC is often used in regards to your heating and cooling systems. Anything that is in your home that is responsible for moving air throughout your home falls under the category of HVAC.
YES! Our technicians are qualified to repair or install gas equipment, and we do it all the time!
There are many factors that play into the average lifespan of a heating or cooling appliance. If the appliance has an annual maintenance done, the appliance on average will last longer than an appliance that does not. The average expected life of an air conditioner is approximately 12-15 years. The average expected life of a gas furnace or air handler may be longer. Oil fired boilers and furnaces have an average life span of around 20 years, as long as they are properly maintained. Units in corrosive environments, such as coastal installations, will tend to have shorter lives.
ENERGY STAR products not only save you money, but they also protect our environment. These appliances are guaranteed to meet very strict efficiency standards. The higher an efficiency is, the more savings the customer sees! The EPA says that if one in 10 households bought ENERGY STAR heating and cooling products, the change would keep 17 billion pounds of pollution out of our air. ENERGY STAR products include thermostats, boilers, heat pumps, and air conditioners among other items. You pay a little more upfront, but can save up to thousands of dollars in utility bills over the service life of the product.
Most thermostats are easy to use. A lot of people just crank up the dial when they want more heat, or drop it for a blast of cool air. But this method of heating and cooling wastes energy and money. You're also less likely to get the temperature you need. Most thermostats nowadays are digital with a touch screen. They are easier to read and easier to operate and program. Programming your digital thermostat to your schedule is just another way to save money!
Disposable filters should generally be replaced every month when the system is running. Replace filters with the same kind and size as the original filter. If your filter is not disposable, follow the manufacturer instructions for cleaning. Failure to clean or replace the filter can negatively impact the efficiency and life span of your equipment.
The latest advances in air quality combine ultraviolet-light technology and high-efficiency air filters to combat air pollution in your home. If allergies or asthma are a problem, you may want to invest in a heating and cooling system that reduces indoor air pollution and improves air quality.
Yes! One of the easiest ways to improve the air quality in your home is to have your ducts and air vents cleaned. Allergies and asthma are aggravated by the contaminants that are found in the ventilation systems in your home. Duct cleanings can help to eliminate bacteria and mold that are found in heating and cooling vents. Having your ducts cleaned also helps your heating and cooling systems run more efficiently, which will save you money!
If your home is not heating well, or your energy costs are up, the problem may not be your HVAC system. Homes that are not well-insulated or weatherized lose a lot of energy and raise power bills. Do not be afraid to add more insulation!
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The higher the SEER number, the more efficient the system is. A 13 SEER product for example would be more efficient than a 10 SEER unit. It is important to make sure that the air conditioning unit that is installed at your home is properly sized for your home. An under or over sized unit can cause many problems, and end up costing you more money in the long run.
AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. AFUE is the most commonly known as the measure of efficiency of the unit. AFUE only refers to a unit’s fuel efficiency, not its electrical usage.