Frequently Asked Questions
What is HVAC?
The use of various technologies to control the temperature, humidity, and purity of the air in an enclosed space. Its goal is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality.
What does HVAC / HVACR stand for?
HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning
HVACR: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration
What is covered in my warranty?
We offer a 1-year warranty on labor and a 10-year warranty on parts for new AC installs. We also offer a Preventative Maintenance Agreement for the first year to help keep your system running as efficiently as possible and keep your utility bills low.
Frequently Asked about IAQ
What is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is exactly that; it is the quality of the air inside your home. Think about the many things that pollute the air, then think about those of which are in your home. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found that concentrations of pollutants could be 100 times higher indoors than outdoors. IAQ is determined by the amounts of pollutants, humidity, and ventilations levels in your home. The American Lung Association has estimated that most people spend 90% of their time indoors! We recommend adding flowers or plants to your home to help remove pollutants from the air. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and then release clean oxygen back into the air.
Should I be concerned about my home’s IAQ?
In homes where children or seniors live, as well as those suffering from respiratory illnesses or ailments, stagnant and polluted air can cause longer lasting effects. However, polluted air does not affect all people the same way; often vacuuming and environment-friendly cleaning will improve air quality.
What causes indoor air pollution?
Gas appliances, carpeting, furniture, paints, solvents, cleaning products, air fresheners, dry-cleaned clothing, and pesticides are some of the things that can cause indoor air pollution. The smoke from cigarettes and wood stoves releases harsh chemicals that also pollute the air. This is why ventilation is very important in your home! You do not want these pollutants to be trapped indoors. High temperature and humidity can also increase the amount of some pollutants.
Why should I have my air conditioner checked?
Preventative maintenance will keep your HVAC system alive longer and save you money on your electric bill! You should always have your air conditioner checked and inspected at the beginning of each season to ensure your system will run efficiently before you need it most.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Do you recommend buying Energy Star products?
Yes. The government guarantees Energy Star products meet certain efficiency standards that will help you save money on your utility bills and will cut down the pollution in your home’s indoor air, improving your home’s indoor air quality. Although Energy Star products do cost more upfront, they can save you money long term, due to more efficient energy consumption.
What temperature should I set my AC to save money?
We recommend setting your AC about five degrees higher than normal to save money and energy. For example, if you normally run your AC at 70 degrees, try running it at 75 degrees to save money.
Why are my utility bills so high?
This could be due to several factors, but most commonly, it is due to a dirty AC unit. Monthly filter changes and yearly maintenance are recommended to prevent dirt build up and help your AC run more efficiently.
Maintenance Questions
How long does an air conditioner last?
The industry averages suggest that your air conditioning system should last about 12-15 years and a gas furnace should last about 20-25 years. These averages also suggest that a professional technician is performing regular preventative maintenance and service.
What are the benefits of having a preventative maintenance or service agreement?
Preventative maintenance will extend the life of your air conditioner and will help it run as efficiently as possible.
Why is my air conditioner is loud?
Newer HVAC systems have become much more efficient and environment-friendly, which has consequently made them quieter. Replacing your system will most likely fix this. If you are not ready to purchase a new air conditioner, then options such as insulation could improve the sound.
How often should I have my air ducts cleaned?
We recommend you get your air ducts cleaned at least once every 2-4 years. If dust is accumulating on the inside duct walls or if you feel your air quality is not good, then it may be time for a cleaning.
Should I buy a UV Germicidal Light for my HVAC system? What is it for?
A UV Germicidal Light is designed to kill mold, viruses, and bacteria in the air circulating through your home. It also helps reduce odors. This device improves indoor air quality and is highly recommended for homes with children, the elderly, or anyone with respiratory issues.
How does an air conditioner work?
Many believe an air conditioner blows cold air into the home, but it actually removes heat. Indoor air passes over a refrigerant coil, which absorbs the heat and transfers it outside through refrigerant lines. The system continues this cycle until it reaches the thermostat setting. Setting the thermostat lower than normal won’t cool the home faster than keeping it at 75 degrees.
Why do I need a load calculation for the HVAC being installed in my home?
A load calculation ensures that we properly size your HVAC system for your home. It takes into account factors such as climate, square footage, insulation, windows, ductwork, and materials used in construction. This helps determine an efficient system tailored to your home’s specific needs.
What is the difference between R-22 and R-410A refrigerants?
Refrigerant is essential for cooling and dehumidifying air. Manufacturers are phasing out R-22 due to environmental concerns. R-410A contains no chlorine, making it more environmentally friendly and widely used today.
Why does my air conditioning unit freeze up?
Poor airflow over the evaporator coil or a refrigerant leak can cause the unit to freeze. If this happens, turn off the AC but leave the fan on. This helps thaw the system so technicians can identify and fix the problem sooner.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you need to visit my home to give me a quote or estimate? Why can’t you give me a quote or estimate over the phone?
We will not be able to determine what exactly your home needs without an in-home consultation. We must measure the square footage of your home, check the existing airflow, check the ductwork, inspect all rooms- supplies and demands, and examine the best place for your new equipment. frequently asked questions
Is it okay to have plants, shrubs, and flowers planted near my outdoor unit?
If you leave about 12-18 inches (depending on the size of the plant) between the plants and unit, then they should not cause any unwanted maintenance. frequently asked questions
Should I replace both units at the same time? Should I replace the outdoor unit as well as the indoor unit?
There are a few reasons why you should probably change both your indoor and outdoor units at the same time. Manufacturers design units and pumps to work together for optimum efficiency and performance. Changing them at the same time would be a smart move. Also, a unit’s efficiency ratings are based on their performance as a matched system. Also, most of the time both the indoor and outdoor units are the same age, and therefore should both need replacing. Changing both the indoor and outdoor units at the same time will give you the best performance for your newly purchased unit. frequently asked questions
Why does my air conditioner trip the circuit breaker sometimes?
A circuit breaker helps your electrical system shut off before it overloads. If your air conditioner is consistently tripping your home’s circuit breaker, then your system may have the following: dirty air filters, low refrigerant levels, a frozen evaporator coil, a faulty compressor, a malfunctioning circuit breaker. Most of these can cause your unit to work harder; forcing your unit draw more electricity to compensate. We are able to resolve most issues, but we recommend calling a licensed electrician if there is an issue with the circuit breaker / breaker panel. frequently asked questions